The Mayor of Nguti Council, Tong George Enoh has pleaded with chiefs of Nguti Sub Division to perform collective traditional rites to curb the activities of separatist fighters in the municipality.
Tong was speaking on October 14, 2023 at the Nguti Municipal Grandstand on the occasion of a peace crusade visit to the Sub Division by Minister, Deputy Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic, Elung Paul Che.
He lamented that while other municipalities are breathing in peace, stability and development, Nguti is wallowing in the shackles of fear and uncertainty because of the activities of the separatists, still harassing the population.
Mayor Tong mentioned the attack at Manyemen where they butchered some inhabitants, abducted the chief and some notables, and in Nguti where two people were recently kidnapped.
He said Nguti is still considered a red zone, inflicting untold suffering to both the population and the council such as; the timid resumption of schools, resource mobilization has plummeted, project implementation stultified and the fear of service providers to accept services within the municipality.
According to Tong, the geo-political position of Nguti municipality renders the sub division very porous. He said villages in the sub division are gradually experiencing some return to normalcy though hoodlums from neighbouring divisions, continue to invade these villages. He disclosed that it is easier for them to come from Nigeria passing through Toko (Ndian), Konye (Meme), Bayenti (Manyu), and Lebialem to their municipality to cause havoc.
He called on traditional leaders to organize a sensitization campaign and perform collective traditional rites to curb the activities of separatists. The Mayor told them to borrow from the success story of Nkak and Nyasoso in Tombel Sub Division.
Besides, the mayor advocated for the creation and equipping of vigilante groups around neighbouring villages, creation of security units in Ayong area, Mbo area, the hinterland in Nguti Sub Division and the Western Bakossi area in Konye Sub Division.
The Mayor equally pleaded for the creation of DDR centers in Nguti, Tombel and Bangem.
Speaking to The Ultimate, the President of Nguti Sub Divisional Chiefs Conference, HRH Etuge Augustine disclosed that traditional rulers of the sub division have contributed immensely to subdue the crisis.
“The heterogeneous nature of Nguti Sub Division requires a cautionary approach to customary and traditional issues especially on matters of invoking our ancestors. Once we are through with Upper Balong area, the ground would have been set for the mayor’s proposal.” Chief Etuge disclosed.
He said at first, people could not go to Nguti but after three moves by the chiefs, the situation has changed and the population of Nguti is gradually increasing.
Chief Etuge who is also chief of Bambe village said as traditional rulers, they don’t emulate, but understand the peculiarities of their milieu and act accordingly.
By Olive Ejang
