Enugu State Security Trust Fund (ESSTF) has called on residents, business owners and community leaders to continue to support the Fund in it’s efforts at strengthening security in the state, adding that N5 Billion is needed annually to provide security in the communities across the state.
Chairman of the Trust Fund, Dr Ike Chikoke,
made the appeal on Thursday in Enugu during a security town hall meeting organised by the fund.
He explained that the target was necessary to sustain a community-based security structure across the 260 political wards in the state. He noted that effective security requires not only equipment but also sufficient personnel on the ground.
Explaining further he said, ‘the plan is to deploy at least 20 security personnel in each ward, whose responsibility would be to monitor communities, detect unusual activities, and promptly relay intelligence to security agencies.
“We need to raise at least N5 billion every year for the fund to function efficiently. If you consider the 260 wards in the state and deploy about 20 security personnel in each ward, paying each of them monthly, the financial implication becomes clear,” he said.
According to Chioke ,the meeting was aimed at reviewing progress made in improving security across communities in the state. .
He noted that although security challenges still exist, the situation has improved significantly compared to previous years.
Dr Chioke
The chairman disclosed that coordinated efforts between the state government and security agencies are gradually bringing the situation under control.
He noted that investments in surveillance technology, improved logistics and intelligence gathering have strengthened the capacity of security agencies to respond swiftly to threats.
Chikoke stressed that ensuring safety cannot be the responsibility of government alone, explaining that the Trust Fund operates as a public-private partnership sustained largely through voluntary donations from individuals and organisations.
“The fight against insecurity is for all of us. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps in maintaining peace and protecting our communities,” he said.
He disclosed that residents and supporters can make donations through the Trust Fund’s online platform, which allows payments using debit cards, credit cards and other digital channels.
Chairman, Enugu State Security Trust Fund, Dr Ike Chioke
According to him, the system also enables members of the diaspora to support security efforts in Enugu from anywhere in the world.
Donations can also be made through designated accounts with commercial banks, while arrangements have been put in place to accept international transfers in foreign currencies.
Speaking Enugu state Governo, Dr r Peter Mbah reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening security as a key driver of economic growth and investor confidence.
The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, said the deployment of modern security technology, including drones and other operational tools, has enhanced surveillance and improved the ability of security agencies to tackle emerging threats.
SSG,Professor Chidiebere Onyia
He explained that security is a continuous process rather than a one-time intervention, noting that the Trust Fund serves as a platform through which citizens can engage government, share feedback and support efforts to keep communities safe
.
The town hall meeting ,described as the third major engagement since the inauguration of the current board two years ago was organised to keep residents informed about security strategies while strengthening collaboration between government, security agencies and the public.
The Governor also commended members of the Trust Fund board and various security agencies, including the police, military garrison, civil defence corps and forest guards, for their commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
He urged residents to continue supporting government initiatives aimed at sustaining peace and creating a safe environment that will attract investment and boost economic activities across the state.
In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Vincent Onyeabor, said the government continues to address security concerns across different parts of the state. He added that criminal elements often move across state borders to perpetrate crimes.
Onyeabor noted that Enugu state government wants to bring criminality in the state to zero
Onyeabor
Speaking also, the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, , Igwe Samuel Asadu, called for greater public visibility of suspects arrested through the deployment of surveillance drones and other security operations in order to strengthen public confidence.
HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu
He urged that traditional rulers be involved in the recruitment of forest guards, stressing that community participation remains essential in sustaining security across the state.
While acknowledging that some challenges remain, other stakeholders who spoke at the event, agreed that security in Enugu has improved considerably in recent times. They called for additional efforts to stamp out insecurity in the state.
