Blast security agencies over extortions
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The House of Representatives has bluntly told the Federal Government to release the detained Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to end the lingering insecurity in the South-East geo-political zone.
This is as the House has accused security agencies of using the multiple checkpoints in the zone for extortion while criminals are on the prowl.
Chairman of the ad hoc committee set up to interface with relevant security agencies to reduce kidnapping, assassinations and banditry in and around Isiukwuato and Umunnochi Local Government Areas of Abia State, Hon. Obi Aguocha, called for immediate release of Kanu to restore peace in the zone.
The lawmaker who spoke Thursday in Abuja, decried the devastating effects of the incessant sit-at-home in the region, and urged the Federal Government to release Kanu in compliance with the court judgments to that effect.
According to him, for absolute peace to return to the South-East, Government should recognise the need for justice and equitable inclusion of the zone.
The lawmaker insisted that the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from unlawful detention is the inevitable action for lasting peace and security in the South-East.
He noted that the location of Umunneochi and Isuikwuato as border communities in Abia with Anambra, Imo, and Ebonyi, made it a hot bed and getaway zone for criminals.
According to him, the cross border dynamics of the areas in focus have made the security challenges in the area more complex.
“The opportunity for inter-state collaboration presents itself and must be explored to foster regional participation. The challenges faced by one state rippled across its neighbours and therefore, our strategies for resolution must be all inclusive.
“By synergising our resources, expertise, and perspective, we can create a stronger front against insecurity and strengthen the bond that binds us.”
“As we navigate the complexities of security concerns, we must also be prepared to tackle the root causes of these issues at their core and work to ensure lasting solutions that would stand the test of time.
“As leaders and stakeholders, it is incumbent upon us to come together, transcending our differences, to find sustainable solutions that will quell these threats and pave the way for a brighter future.
“We recognise that insecurity cannot be combated by one entity alone; it does require a collective, multi-faceted approach that encompasses various perspectives and expertise of law enforcement agencies, community leaders, policymakers, scholars, and citizens.
“This committee wishes to applaud the efforts of state governments in the South-East region as well as the Federal Government for its demonstrable commitment to peace and security in the South-East.
“In conclusion, it should be our collective expectation that the following would have been addressed or significantly advanced clear strategy for inter-security agency collaboration, clear strategy for inter-government joint task collaboration, clear strategy for community engagement pathway, and determination of implementation milestones, both in the short and long term.”
Sponsor of the motion that led to composition of the committee, Hon. Amobi Ogah, accused the police of using multiple checkpoints in the troubled areas to extort money from innocent citizens, instead of combing the bushes to flush out the criminals as demanded by the House through its resolution.
Ogah expressed disappointment that while security agencies have converted checkpoints to extortion points, criminals operate almost unchallenged.
The lawmaker who described the indiscriminate checkpoints across South-East as a huge embarrassment, demanded that they be dismantled.
He particularly accused the police of not doing enough to police Isuikwuato/ Umunneochi federal constituency.
“I want this to be on record that the police are doing nothing, but collecting money.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Mr. Kenechukwu Onwumelie, was invited into a closed door session to brief the panel.
Insecurity in the South-East especially Umunneochi, Isuikwuato, Okigwe, Awgu, Isiagu axis has taken a dangerous dimension of late.
The presence of the regional cattle market at Lokpanta believed to be providing a habour for the criminals, is blamed for the ugly development.
Despite several protests by the Umunneochi locals for the relocation of the market, Government is yet to take any action on that.
Kidnapping for ransom has almost become a daily occurrence around the axis.
Accusing fingers have always been pointed at the marauding criminal herders in the area.
