The member representing Isukwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency and the Deputy Chief Whip House of Representatives, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha has decried the growing insecurity in her constituency, saying her people are at the mercy of criminal elements who have taken over the two local governments making up the constituency.
The lawmaker moved a motion on Tuesday on the floor of the House titled “Need to Address the Worsening Security Situation in Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Abia State”.
She explained that if the security concerns are not urgently addressed, it could lead to tension, lawlessness, and chaos.
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According to Hon. Onyejeocha, virtually all roads that lead to the areas have been taken over by criminals, killer herdsmen and bandits whom she said lay siege on the people of the local government areas, maiming, robbing, kidnapping, raping, and killing the people and travellers.
Continuing, “the victims of those murderous gangs range from poor peasant farmers, old and young people, travellers, traditional and political leaders, among others and a case in point is that of one Mr. Obiajulu Okafor who was kidnapped, together with his wife and driver, on 2 January 2021, which forced his family to pay a ransom of twenty–two Million Naira (N22m) to secure their release”
Seconding the motion, the member representing Bende Federal Constituency Spokesperson House of Representative, Hon Benjamin Kalu said his constituency suffers a similar fate in a disturbing proportion.
He expressed worry that his constituents can no longer go to their farms or engage in other means of gaining a livelihood for fear of being abducted, raped, or killed by herdsmen and criminals who have taken over their farmlands and roadways.
He called for urgent and drastic measures to halt the tide and combat those criminal elements terrorizing the constituency before it leads to anarchy.
The Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila in his ruling, therefore, urged the Inspector General of Police to prioritize the security of those local government areas and arrest the criminals terrorizing the constituencies.
He also urges the various security agencies to collaborate for the purpose of ensuring a safe and conducive environment in the constituencies as well as mandating the Committee on Police Affairs to ensure compliance.
