Hon. Amobi Ogar, a member of the House of Representatives, has expressed concern about the increasing cases of kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes in his federal constituency of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi, Abia State, amid the prevailing insecurity in the southeast region of Nigeria. He addressed journalists after presenting a motion on the issue during a plenary session.
Ogar highlighted the alarming rate of kidnappings, describing it as being on the rise and comparing it to a business akin to selling akara (bean cakes). He emphasized that the primary purpose of governance is to ensure the security and safety of the people.
In response to the motion, the House of Representatives adopted Ogar’s recommendations. They urged the President of Nigeria to direct the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Air Force, Nigeria Police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to enhance security measures, including increased checks, around key areas such as the Regional Cattle market in Lokpanta, Uturu-Okigwe Road, Ihube-Isuochi Road, ABSU junction-Akara Road, Uturu-Afikpo Road, Umuaku-Umunze Road, and Awgu-Ishiagu Road.
Furthermore, the Chief of Army Staff, Inspector General of Police, and Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were urged to establish a joint patrol team to comb farmlands and forests, with the aim of eliminating kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal elements in Isuikwuato and Umunneochi Local Government Areas of Abia State.
Lastly, the House mandated the formation of an Ad-Hoc Committee to engage with key security agencies to develop measures aimed at reducing the frequency of attacks by kidnappers, assassins, and bandits in the affected area.
