The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has adopted measures to strengthen security for traditional rulers across the state following the killing of the traditional ruler of Ndufu Alike Autonomous Community in Ikwo Local Government Area.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved during Wednesday’s plenary by the Leader of the House, Kingsley Ikoro, who condemned the killing of the monarch, Eze Francis Igwe.
Ikoro described the incident as tragic and unacceptable, noting that traditional rulers are custodians of culture and play vital roles in maintaining peace and development in their communities.
He expressed concern that the abduction and killing of traditional rulers had become a disturbing trend and called for urgent steps to guarantee their safety, including the provision of internal security.
Lawmakers who contributed to the debate unanimously condemned the killing and supported the call for enhanced protection for traditional rulers across the state.
The member representing Ebonyi North West State Constituency, Aloysius Nwodo, suggested that local government chairmen should be tasked with ensuring the security of traditional rulers through the Neighbourhood Watch.
Also speaking, the member representing Ikwo North State Constituency, Ifeanyi Nwakpu, commended the House for showing concern over the incident and supported the proposal that neighbourhood security should be provided for traditional rulers.
Other lawmakers who supported the motion included the member representing Ezza South State Constituency, Friday Ogbuewu; Ohaozara West State Constituency, Onu Ukpai; Onicha East State Constituency, Celestine Ifeanyi Ogba; Ivo State Constituency, Onyebuchi Ogbadu; and Ezza North West State Constituency, Chikaodiri Nomeh.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Moses Ije Odunwa, condemned the killing and commended security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, for arresting at least seven suspects linked to the abduction of the monarch.
The Speaker stressed the need for adequate protection for traditional rulers and directed that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and neighbourhood watch groups should be deployed to safeguard them. He also mandated local government chairmen to ensure the security of traditional rulers within their councils.
The motion was subsequently adopted through a voice vote.
Meanwhile, the House also mandated all mining companies operating in the state to submit their Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Audit reports to the House Committee on Solid Minerals.
The motion, also moved by Ikoro and seconded by the member representing Afikpo East State Constituency, Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali, was adopted by the House.
The Speaker directed the House Committee on Solid Minerals to liaise with the state Ministry of Solid Minerals to assess mining activities across the state, particularly in Afikpo, and report back to the House.
In another development, the Assembly approved the sum of ₦600 million for the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission to commence preparations for the 2026 Local Government Council elections scheduled for August.
The approval followed a request from the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Lawmakers said the funds would cover procurement of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials, voter education and sensitisation, engagement of service providers and other logistics required for the conduct of the election.
The Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Edene Uche Blessing, to communicate the resolution of the House to the governor.
The plenary was later adjourned to another legislative day.