Hon. Ichita Commends Tinubu On Forest Guard Initiative, Mourns Driver Killed by Kidnappers

Nigerian politician and former lawmaker, Hon. Obinna Ichita, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the National Forest Guard Initiative, describing it as a timely and strategic move to tackle the growing insecurity across the country, especially in the South East.

Ichita, who represented Aba South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, issued the statement in Aba on Wednesday while mourning the tragic death of one of his staff members, Mr. Chibuzor Nkoro.

Nkoro, an indigene of Eziama in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State, was reportedly shot dead by unknown gunmen along Ngor Okpala in Imo State on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, while driving back to Aba. The attackers also abducted one of Ichita’s family members and demanded a ransom for their release.

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“This violent attack was not an isolated incident,” Ichita lamented. “In one shocking case, a ransom as high as one billion naira was reportedly paid for the release of a kidnap victim.”

He hailed the federal government’s approval of the Armed Forest Guard as a significant response to the rising wave of criminality perpetrated by individuals hiding in forested areas. According to Ichita, this move reflects President Tinubu’s genuine interest in addressing the security challenges plaguing the South East and other parts of the country.

“It is my hope and prayer that this intervention by Mr. President, along with proper engagement and coordination with the state governments, will prevent further loss of life and flush out those foreign elements and their local collaborators who kidnap and kill our people,” he said.

Ichita also called for a well-coordinated public awareness campaign to educate and encourage local participation in security efforts, noting that apathy and mistrust toward security agencies remain widespread in the South East.

“To secure the buy-in of the local communities, a robust information dissemination campaign must be activated,” he added.

He concluded by offering prayers for the deceased: “May the soul of Chibuzor Nkoro and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”