With the festive season fast approaching, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, have moved to reassure Igbo citizens in the diaspora that their safety will be guaranteed when they return home for the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The joint statement of assurance came after a high-level security engagement in Imo State on November 25, 2024, where both officials spoke candidly about the region’s preparedness for the holiday period.
The visit, which took place at the Government House in Owerri, followed a critical security stakeholders’ meeting in Enugu, where military leaders and government officials gathered to discuss ongoing strategies for maintaining peace in the South East.
At the heart of the visit was the pledge to secure the safety of both the returning diaspora and residents as travel is expected to rise during the Yuletide.
Minister Abubakar, who led the security delegation, commended the leadership of Imo State, particularly Governor Uzodimma, for their steadfast support of the military’s efforts. He emphasized that the Nigerian Armed Forces were on high alert, working in collaboration with local authorities to ensure a peaceful festive season.
“We want to assure all Igbo citizens who wish to return home for the holidays that their safety is guaranteed. Our forces are prepared and stationed throughout the region,” Abubakar said, offering a strong message of reassurance to the public.
Governor Uzodimma echoed the Minister’s sentiments, affirming that his administration has taken all necessary steps to ensure a safe environment for all during the holiday period.
“We are ready for the Yuletide season,” Uzodimma declared. “Security agencies in Imo are well-prepared, equipped, and supported to ensure that our people celebrate this season without fear of molestation.” The Governor also expressed optimism that the region was on the cusp of overcoming its security challenges, including the issue of banditry and insurgency.
“We are close to the end of the tunnel,” he said, underscoring the progress made in restoring peace to the state.
A key component of the meeting in Enugu, as outlined by Abubakar, was the adoption of a new security strategy that blends traditional military tactics with more community-driven, non-kinetic methods. These efforts aim to foster dialogue and engage local populations—especially youth, women, and civil society groups—in promoting peace and stability.
Major General Taiwo Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, also attended the meeting and highlighted the shift toward a more inclusive approach in addressing insecurity.
“We are committed to making the South East a land of peace once again,” Dada stated, calling on young people involved in violent activities to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
The Minister’s visit to Imo was also a platform for expressing gratitude for the collective efforts of both the military and state government in securing the region.
Governor Uzodimma acknowledged the challenges the state had faced in the past, referring to them as “better imagined than experienced,” but he praised the resilience of the people and the effectiveness of the security agencies in overcoming these obstacles.
"To the glory of God, we have conquered,” Uzodimma said with conviction, adding that the region is poised for a brighter future.
The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Imo State Deputy Governor Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, and other high-ranking members of the state government.
Their presence reinforced the state’s commitment to ensuring a secure environment for residents and visitors alike.
As the Christmas and New Year holidays draw near, both Minister Abubakar and Governor Uzodimma have urged the public to remain confident in the security measures in place.
The message is clear: the South East is safe, and Igbo citizens can return home to celebrate the holidays in peace, with both state and federal agencies working together to safeguard the region, the hope is that this season will mark a new chapter of stability and prosperity for Imo State and the broader South East region.
