Ebonyi State Government has announced plans to reestablish vigilante groups in communities in the state.

Governor David Umahi announced this during the maiden Ishiagu Cultural Day celebration at Ishagu, Ivo Local Government Area of the state.

The governor, who was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Ebube Agu of Ishiagu, said: “We shall in the coming weeks in September launch our vigilante group. We will conclude plans with the Commissioner of Police so that we will launch Ebonyi Vigilante starting with Ishiagu and Akaeze communities. So, in the month of September, you will see a robust assistance to the very wonderful work the security agencies are doing in Ishiagu and Akaeze.

“We will tackle crime and I assure you that under my administration, you will have peace.”

Umahi also announced that a construction company, Setraco had been re-invited to complete a section of a road earlier awarded to it in Ishiagu. He added that another road from Nzerem- Okwe to MCC Junction would also be constructed soon.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, also ordered a comprehensive evaluation of the light needs of Ishiagu and Akaeze so that they could be included in the first phase of state's rural electrification programme.

“I have ordered to be completed within the month of September, a comprehensive 10-kilometre street light in the land of Ishiagu and another 10-kilometre in Akaeze. So this project will be jointly funded by the state government and the local government. The project duration shall be 30 days.”

He also assured the people that work would soon start on the Ishiagu Water Project, already re-awarded at the cost of N2.1 billion.

Umahi, who thanked the people of Ishiagu for the honour done him, paid glowing tribute to their son, Anyim Pius Anyim, the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, for being a reliable ally in the struggle for political and social justice in Ebonyi State.

Anyim had in his opening remarks, lauded Governor Umahi for his quality leadership and pledged the support of his kinsmen and women to his administration.

The chairman of the occasion, Dr. Chris Okereke, thanked Umahi for restoring peace to Ishiagu. The President of Ishiagu Community Development Union, Chief Stanley Chukwu thanked the governor for his magnanimity to the people of Ishiagu, especially in the appointment of sons and daughters to the position of authority in the state

•Photo shows Governor Umahi.

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