FG urged to probe mercenaries, fake military uniforms in Ebonyi

  FG urged to probe mercenaries, fake military uniforms in Ebonyi

The Nigeria Parents Forum has urged the Federal Government to investigate the alleged mobilization of mercenaries and military uniforms in Ebonyi.

National Coordinator, Monday Eze, in a statement said scores of members, youths and other citizens have been killed since January 2021 when crisis broke out in Effium.

Eze regretted that the situation is in spite of the Federal Government’s peace initiative in the troubled town within Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

He said apart from Effium Urban, Nwekendiagu, Inikiri, Akparata and a few places, the security agents posted to Effium community do not cover Ibenda, Igbudoke, Ugoeze, Uturu, Agugwu, Umueze, Okporo and Ameka-Amajim.

Eze noted that the under-utilisation of the operatives could be responsible for the continued killings by “alleged war mercenaries who dress in military and other security uniforms”.

The Forum appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that security personnel are posted to the rest of identified flashpoints.

“Nigeria Parents Forum requests the Federal Government to investigate reports of mobilization of war mercenaries into Effium community through Okporo Ezzamgbo-Effium axis, and the making of military and other security uniforms in Ogbagere and Ibenda villages.”

The statement appealed to the government, individuals and groups to assist suffering Effium people, including women, children and the physically-challenged, with relief materials.