Army Commander warns trespassers to Steer-clear of Onitsha Military Cantonment

The Commander of Onitsha Military Cantonment, Col. Mohammad Bello, has cautioned trespassers to ``steer-clear of the Onitsha Military Cantonment’’ as part of efforts to checkmate intruders gaining unauthorized access to the cantonment.

Bello gave the warning while addressing executives of landlords’ associations of communities surrounding the cantonment on Wednesday in Onitsha, Anambra.

He noted that henceforth anybody scaling the perimeter fence of the cantonment at anytime of the day would be shot and handed over to the police.

``We have called this meeting for us to work closely, understand each other and foster good harmonious relationship.

``Of late, none of you people have reported people scaling the cantonment perimeter fence; but henceforth anybody scaling the fence would be shot and handed over to the police for trespassing.

``Also inform your children, neighbours and tenants to stop throwing refuse into the cantonment; if anyone is caught, that child or youth and his or her guardian would be dealt with,’’ he said.

The commander said that the authorities had started surveillance on people smoking hard drugs within the communities close to the cantonment.

``We do not want to witch-hunting anybody; that is why we have taken it upon ourselves to monitor hard drug use around us, those caught would be handed over to the NDLEA; while any soldier caught would be summarily dismissed; the Nigerian Army does not condole such indiscipline.

``While any cantonment tagged commercial motorcycle operator found operating outside the cantonment, I mean in your neighbourhood, beyond 7 p.m. should be arrested and handed over to the police for violating the state government ban on Okada from operating in the streets beyond 7 p.m.,’’ he said. 

Bello reminded them on the need to be vigilant always and promptly report any suspicious movement or object to the army authorities; adding: ``In today’s world, security is everybody’s business’’.

Responding, the Chairman of Omagba Landlords Association, Chief Akunwata Okeke, who spoke on behalf of the landlords, thanked the military authority for it concern for the security and safety of all living around the cantonment area and the state.

Okeke urged the commander to make the meeting a quarterly one; while also appealing for the chance for some selected members of the landlords to speak confidentially and off-camera with the military authorities.

``We would convey your message back home to our children, neighbours, tenants and we are giving you our support since what you are about to do is for the benefit of all,’’ he said.

Highlight of the meeting was the exchange of numbers between top military officers and members of the landlords’ associations.