Breaking: Abia governor approves IPOB’s ESN for protection against Fulani herdsmen

By Kingsley Ikechukwu

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has approved the involvement of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to confront Fulani herdsmen.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that this decision follows the continued inaction of Nigerian security forces in protecting farmers in Abia State.

Governor Otti emphasized that if the Nigerian police and military refuse to act, he will arm the ESN.

He stated, “Sometimes, madness can only respond to madness,” expressing frustration with the lack of intervention.

The governor’s decision follows years of increasing insecurity, where herdsmen attacks have become a constant threat to farmers.

Governor Otti expressed his anger that security agencies are aware of the violence but have failed to act.

He pointed out that the ESN is the only force the Fulani herdsmen truly fear.

The governor’s actions are a clear statement of his willingness to take decisive steps to protect his people.

Background of the Eastern Security Network (ESN)

The Eastern Security Network was formed in December 2020 by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The ESN was created as a direct response to the growing threat of Fulani herdsmen and criminal groups in the region.

These groups have been responsible for attacks, kidnappings, and the destruction of farmlands, severely impacting the livelihoods of local communities.

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in announcing the formation of the ESN, emphasized the necessity of self-defense for the people.

He declared, “If you are not defended in your land, you will become slaves in your own homeland.”

The establishment of the ESN was framed as an act of survival, not aggression.

Kanu’s statement underscored the urgency of securing the people’s safety in a region that is often neglected by federal security forces.

The ESN was created to fill the void left by Nigeria’s security forces, which have been perceived as ineffective and politically compromised.

Kanu’s vision for the ESN was rooted in the belief that the Eastern region could no longer rely on the federal government for protection.

The ESN was intended to serve as the protector of the people, offering a sense of security where none existed.

The Role of the ESN in Protecting Local Communities

Unlike Nigeria’s formal security forces, the ESN is a community-based initiative.

Its members are drawn from the local communities they serve, making them deeply connected to the regions they protect.

These individuals are not mercenaries or hired guns; they are sons and daughters of the land, committed to protecting their homes.

The ESN operates in rural areas that are often overlooked by Nigeria’s centralized security forces.

These areas, including farms and forests, are where Fulani herdsmen attacks are most prevalent.

The Nigerian police and military have often been criticized for their inability to effectively address these security concerns.

In contrast, the ESN focuses its efforts on ensuring the safety of vulnerable communities in the southeast.

The ESN’s presence has brought a sense of safety to these rural areas.

Communities long terrorized by kidnappings, robberies, and killings now have a fighting chance at survival.

Members of the ESN are seen as the last line of defense for these communities.

Their presence has restored confidence among local farmers, who had previously been afraid to work on their land due to constant threats.

Governor Otti’s Support for the ESN

Governor Otti’s endorsement of the ESN is a significant step in the fight against the growing threat posed by Fulani herdsmen.

His decision comes after years of increasing violence in the region, which has left many local communities defenseless.

The governor’s support signals his commitment to addressing the security concerns of his people, even if it means challenging the federal government’s stance.

Governor Otti’s remarks about arming the ESN show his frustration with the lack of support from Nigerian security agencies.

He made it clear that the federal government’s failure to act has forced him to take matters into his own hands.

By arming the ESN, Otti is providing local communities with the tools they need to defend themselves against violent attacks.

The governor’s decision has been met with widespread approval from many in Abia State.

For years, communities have cried out for protection, but their pleas have often fallen on deaf ears.

Governor Otti’s actions represent a turning point in the region’s approach to security, emphasizing the need for self-reliance and local solutions to local problems.

The ESN’s Operations and Community Support

The ESN’s operations have largely focused on protecting farms, forests, and rural areas, which are often the hardest hit by attacks.

These regions are typically neglected by Nigeria’s security forces, who tend to concentrate their efforts in urban areas.

As a result, the ESN has filled the gap left by the federal forces, offering protection where it is needed most.

Members of the ESN are committed to safeguarding the heritage of their communities.

They are not motivated by political agendas or personal gain but by a deep sense of duty to protect their land and people.

The ESN’s operations are characterized by discipline, focus, and a clear understanding of the challenges faced by local populations.

Over time, the ESN has gained the trust of local communities, who view the network as their primary defense against the escalating violence.

The network has also served as a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity, demonstrating the power of unity and self-determination.

Communities that once felt abandoned now see the ESN as their safeguard against lawlessness.

Governor Otti’s Call for Unity

In his statement, Governor Otti called on Abians and southeastern Nigerians to unite in the face of insecurity.

He urged the people to see the fight against Fulani herdsmen and other criminal elements as a collective struggle.

“Abians must live on,” he said, encouraging the people of Abia State to stand firm and support the ESN.

Governor Otti’s appeal for unity reflects his belief that the security of Abia State should not be a partisan issue.

It is a matter of survival for all who live in the region.

The governor’s bold stance is likely to inspire other state leaders to take similar actions in addressing the security challenges facing their communities.

Conclusion: A New Era of Self-Defense in Abia State

Governor Otti’s decision to approve the involvement of the ESN in protecting Abia State marks a significant moment in the region’s ongoing battle against insecurity.

With the Nigerian security forces unable or unwilling to address the growing threat posed by Fulani herdsmen, local communities have turned to the ESN for protection.

The future of the ESN in Abia State remains uncertain, but its growing role as a grassroots security network is undeniable.

The support for the ESN continues to gain momentum, and its presence offers hope for a safer future in the southeast.

For now, the ESN represents the last line of defense against a rising tide of violence.

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