In a decisive move to curb the increasing incidents of theft and vandalism of public property, traditional leaders in Obudu Local Government Area, led by the Paramount Ruler, HRM Utsu-Ukandi Felix Ukwudari, have constituted a special committee to investigate and recover missing government assets.
The committee, inaugurated on April 12, 2025, was formed in response to a surge of reports circulating across social media platforms in the past two weeks, particularly regarding the attempted theft of electricity transformers. This prompted an emergency meeting of traditional and political stakeholders in the area.
Speaking during the meeting at his palace, HRM Utsu-Ukandi expressed concern over the rising threat to government infrastructure and emphasized the need for community-driven efforts to secure public property. “This committee is a product of our traditional council meeting held two weeks ago. Our goal is to build a strong and reliable team that will recover our stolen assets and ensure such incidents do not repeat,” he stated.
The committee is chaired by Hon. P.J. Ekunke, with Udie Mike serving as secretary. Other members include Mr. Paul Akoli, Mr. Emmanuel Utande, Miss Charity Ikpali, Hon. Lawrence Ishibi, Mr. Gabriel Odey Idiege, HRH Akinsheye Ugbe, HRH S.O. Olenye, HRH C.L. Ulem, HRH B.P. Ishoja, and Mr. Emmanuel Aben as well as representative of the youth.
HRM Utsu-Ukandi presented the committee with specific terms of reference, charging them to:
1. Verify the status of electricity transformers currently in police custody and ensure their immediate return to their original locations.
2. Collaborate with the LGA Chairman to access necessary support for the execution of their mandate.
3. Investigate all reported thefts of public property within the LGA, including attempted removals.
4. Develop preventive strategies and launch public sensitization campaigns to encourage community members to safeguard public assets.
As part of the resolution, all ongoing investigations into government property thefts are to be suspended until the committee submits its official report. The committee has been given a two-week deadline to present its findings and recommendations to both the traditional council and the public.
The monarch further appealed to the public for cooperation. “We call on all citizens of Obudu to provide credible information that will aid this committee in their work. Protecting our public assets is a collective responsibility,” he added.
