By our reporter
A joint security base that would accommodate the Nigerian Army, Police, Civil Defence and similar agencies is underway to cater for Omambala region of Anambra State.
The project which is being funded solely by the Prime Minister of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), Ambassador John Metchie who is also the President General of Umueri community, is part of efforts to frontally tackle and combat insecurity in about four local government areas of the state.
Cited at the border between Anambra-East and West, the base when completed, would make it easier for the benefitting security agencies to engage in rapid response against banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities in area.
Performing the foundation stone laying ceremony, a former lawmaker, Senator Emma Anosike said the project is a welcome development and a timely response to insecurity in the region.
Anosike stated that security is a collective responsibility of all and maintained that the establishment of a joint unit for the Nigerian Army and other agencies would go a long way to guarantee a secured atmosphere not only in Umueri community but the entire Omambala region comprising Anambra-East, Anambra-west, Ayamelum and few other local governments in the North senatorial district.
The former lawmaker therefore thanked Chief John Metchie for his lofty ideas and service to humanity adding that his philanthropy has yielded monumental results to the benefits of the communities and humanity in general.
In his response, Metchie who is also the Commander General of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) in charge of Technical Service said he chose to construct the joint base for the security agencies to foster unity of purpose among them in order that they would synergise to rid the region of criminalities.
Metchie said the project was another way he is responding to the call of the state Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo for all hands to be on deck in issues of security in particular and overall development of Anambra state in general.
The Umueri President-General further disclosed that with the recommendation of the Police, Army, the DSS and the local government chairman, a security post was voted to be cited at the border between Anambra-East and West for crime control in the area.
He however admonished other well to do members of the society and communities to borrow a leaf from Umueri community as government, according to him, cannot do everything alone, adding that citizens should be able to assist government in addressing basic needs and challenges affecting their respective domains.
Metchie equally lauded the efforts of the government of Soludo in combating insecurity in Anambra state, stressing that it was Governor Soludo who upon inception of office, initiated home land security for Ndi-Anambra.
Chief Emma Edochie a prominent citizen of Umueri community who commended the President-General for the project he undertook singlehandedly, said the nearest Army base is Onitsha, adding that to have a base in Umueri community will enhance security and reduce crime rate in the area.
Present at the official foundation stone laying ceremony were military officials, officers of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service among other dignitaries.