TheCable

Kingsley Moghalu, former presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), says the Eastern Security Network (ESN) was formed because south-east governors failed to create legitimate security outfits to protect residents.

The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), had in December, launched ESN, saying the objective of the security network is to protect the south-east and south-south from “criminal activity”.

The group had likened ESN to Western Nigeria Security Network, code-named Amotekun, in the south-west.

In January, four people were killed when ESN operatives clashed with soldiers in Orlu.

In the past few days, there have been concerns over security issues in Orlu, with some accusing the military of invading the communities.

But Cyprian Akaolisa, Imo attorney-general and commissioner for justice, said the military targets were ESN members who he accused of looting arms and killing people.

In a post on his Facebook page on Saturday, Moghalu condemned the military operation which he described as a “traumatic experience” for Orlu residents.

He berated governors of south-east states for the poor security situation adding that people had to seek other means to protect themselves.

“It is an outrage to subject civilian populations to this kind of traumatic experience,” he said.

“Regardless of the reason advanced, the situation does not call for this kind of heavy handed response.

“This is happening because South-East states Governors, unlike their SW colleagues, failed to set up effective, legitimate security outfits to defend citizens in these states from marauding, violent herdsmen and bandits. Individuals and groups naturally resorted to self-defence.

“This is why I often say there is a difference between leadership and politics.

“We need to focus on a search for leaders who can stand to be counted in defence of Nigerian lives.

“I have no interest in chasing shadows. We must address root causes to deal with our security crisis.”