Umuawa-Alaocha Launches ₦50 Million Security Fund, Rallies Support to Strengthen Safety
The people of Umuawa-Alaocha in Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area, on Monday, June 29, 2026, officially launched a ₦50 million Community Security Support Fund aimed at strengthening the community’s local security architecture and enhancing the protection of lives and property.
Speaking during the launch, the President-General of the community, Hon. Chimex Nelcinn Uluocha, said the initiative became imperative following the June 10 kidnapping of two members of the community by suspected armed herders. He noted that the incident underscored the urgent need for communities to take proactive steps in safeguarding their residents.
Hon. Uluocha recalled that the victims were eventually rescued through the determined efforts of the community leadership, working alongside relevant security stakeholders. According to him, the experience demonstrated that security can no longer be treated with complacency.
He explained that the fund would be used to strengthen the community’s vigilante outfit through the procurement of operational vehicles, motorcycles, surveillance cameras, communication gadgets, and other security equipment, while also expanding the number of trained youths and able-bodied men participating in community security.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Magdalene Egondu Ugoanusi who is also a daughter of the soil commended the leadership of Umuawa-Alaocha for what she described as people-oriented governance. She emphasized that security remains everyone’s responsibility and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue collaborating with security agencies. She announced a donation of ₦1 million in support of the initiative.
The member representing Umuahia North (Ohuhu) State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Barr. Anderson Kelechi Akaliro, praised the courage and resilience of the community, particularly its response to the June 10 kidnapping incident. He lauded the President-General for initiating the security fund and donated ₦1 million to support the project.
Also lending his support, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Obi Aguocha, described the initiative as timely and necessary. He recalled establishing a similar community security structure during his tenure as President-General of the Ohuhu Welfare Union to address security challenges across Ohuhu.
Rt. Hon. Aguocha donated ₦2 million to the security fund and urged the Divisional Police Officer of the Ohuhu Police Division to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the division’s operational needs. He pledged to mobilize political leaders across Ohuhu to ensure the identified needs are provided to strengthen policing and support community security efforts.
Traditional rulers from the area also expressed their commitment to the initiative through generous donations. Among those present were HRM Eze Abel Ogbonna, the Traditional Ruler of Opara na Nkaru Autonomous Community, and High Chief Sunny Nlewedim, Eze-designate of Umuyota Autonomous Community.
Several prominent sons and daughters of Umuawa-Alaocha also made donations in support of the security fund. They included Hon. Chukwunenye Nwaubani, Chief Adimchinobi Abraham, High Chief Okey Ihedioha, Supreme High Chief Arc. Uchenna Uzoanya, the Ohuhu Youth President , Chief Uchenna Iheanacho amongst many others at home and in diaspora as well as one of the victims of the June 10 kidnapping, who contributed in solidarity with the initiative.
The launch concluded with a passionate appeal to indigenes, residents, and friends of Umuawa-Alaocha to contribute towards achieving the ₦50 million target, with community leaders stressing that collective action remains the most effective way to guarantee lasting peace and security.
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