Army motorbikes unit to checkmate Ebonyi, Cross Rivers clashes

The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has inaugurated a combat motorbike to halt the communal clashes between border communities of Ebonyi and Cross Rivers states that had led to killing of scores of villagers and destructions of houses.
Recently, there was a resurgence of boundary conflicts between Ukelle and Izzi villages of Cross Rivers and Ebonyi states respectively, which resulted in the disruption of economic and social activities as well as the loss of lives and properties.
A statement by spokesperson of 82 Division, Col.
Sagir Musa, said that terrain of the two states during rainy season has made it difficult for security agencies to effectively patrol the areas.
“To alleviate this problem and enhance operational effectiveness of troops in the areas, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen., Tukur Buratai authorised the injection of combat motorbikes Platoons to enhance troops’ mobility and access to the difficult areas.
“In line with the COAS vision to have a Professionally Responsive Nigerian Army in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles, COAS on Saturday the 15th of September, 2018 commissioned first set of combat motorbikes to help troops deployed for internal security duties at the warring border communities of Cross Rivers and Ebonyi States to effectively access all the nooks and crannies of the troubled areas with the aim of containing the occasional clashes between them.” He said in a brief handing over ceremony of the bikes at Ipollo – Ntagom Security ‘Out Post’, the combat motorbikes were handed over to the soldiers by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Maj.
Gen. Emmanuel Kabuk.
Musa said the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Eric Kelechi Igwe who represented the Governor commended the army for the “laudable initiative and commitment to ensuring lasting peace and security between the border areas of Cross Rivers and Ebonyi States.” “Never in the history of our States have we seen such a zeal and uncommon commitment to ensuring peace and security in the states like what the COAS has done.
This gesture is complimentary to the efforts of Cross Rivers and Ebonyi States and we thank General Buratai for that”, the army spokesperson quoted the governor has said.