By Simon Ofotokun
KWALE/Nigeria: The traditional prime minister (Onoutu- Uku) of Utagba-Ogbe kingdom, kwale, Ndokwa west local government Area, Chief Denis Igwe has called on security operatives including the Army, Nigeria police, DSS, the Local Vigilante, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the residents of the local Government Headquarters to remain calm over the several killings in the town, in the recent times.
The “Onotu-Uku” was answering questions from journalists on the security situation in the town and the ways out of it. He said that the recent killings particularly the killing of an Army officer, head of anti-cult and other cult related killings gave the Utagba- Ogbe leaders a rude shock, noting that they would know no sleep until the immediate and remote perpetrators were unearthed.
Chief Denis Igwe further explained that apart from some internal intra families and communal crisis in the kingdom, Utagba- Ogbe youths were peace loving and God fearing enough not to have had hands in the killings.
He commented and thanked the Military authority in the area for their understanding, wisdom and patience in the matter and pledged the interest of Utagba- Ogbe Chiefs in thorough and expeditious investigation with a view to bringing the culprits to book.
Speaking on the Utagba– Ogbe internal differences, the ‘’Onotu- Uku” described them as families affairs which he said were not peculiar to the people of the kingdom.
He however used the medium to caution Utagba- Ogbe indigenes and other residents, particularly the youths against attitudes and engagements that can lead to violence and communal crisis.
In his New Year Goodwill Message Chief Igwe congratulated all leaders, indigenes and residents of Utagba- Ogbe for crossing over to the year 2021. He called for redoubled commitment to the state government peace and security agenda, which he said, if sustained would create enabling environment for investment and economy to strive.
The ‘’Onotu- Uku” of Utagba- Ogbe also expressed the gratitude and appreciation of Utagba- Ogbe people to the founder of Monday Onyeme foundation, Sir Chief Monday Onyeme for boosting Education and Academics in the kingdom through award of scholarship, construction of facilities and donation of books and other materials.
