The House of Representatives Adhoc 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, has called for release of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as panacea for peace in the South-east.
“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.
“For absolute peace, reduction of crime and criminality, investment in meaningful infrastructure development, ending the unproductive sit-at-home and improving economic growth and opportunities in the South-east, starts with the government’s recognition of the rule of law, justices, and equitable inclusion of the South-east zone in the project Nigeria and the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from unlawful detention to ensure lasting peace and security in the entire region”, chairman of the committee, Hon. Obinna Aguocha stated at the resumed hearing on Thursday.
The House had prior to embarking on its ongoing recess, pledged to wade into the matter following a similar demand through a motion, but yet to take any action to that effect.
Aguocha stated further that “the challenges we face are not mere statistics or headlines; they are real-life manifestations that affect the lives of our people, disrupt the functioning of our institutions and communities, thus impeding the growth of our region.”
According to the lawmaker, instances of criminal activities, banditry, kidnapping, assassinations, communal and religious clashes, and threats to life have shaken the very foundation of our societies.
“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,” he said.
Meanwhile, sponsor of the motion that led to composition of the committee, Hon. Amobi Ogah, has 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. (Blueprint)
