25th August, 2023
By Femi Ogunshola
The House of Representatives ad hoc committee, which works with key security agencies to eliminate kidnapping, killing, and banditry in Abia communities, has demanded Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
Rep. Obinna Aguocha, Chairman of the ad hoc committee, made this call at the House’s resumed sitting in Abuja.
He claimed that Kanu’s release would be a panacea for Southern peace.
The settlements are located in the state’s Isiukwuato and Umunnochi Local Government Areas.
Aguocha demanded Kanu’s unconditional release in order to preserve long-term peace and security in the region.
He stated that there was a need to be prepared to address the underlying source of insecurity and seek to secure long-term solutions that would stand the test of time.
Aguocha stated that investment in genuine infrastructure development was required for absolute peace, a decrease in crime and criminality, and the end of the ineffective sit-at-home order.
He claims that this will boost economic growth and possibilities in the South.
He stated that it was critical for the government to recognise the rule of law, justice, and the equitable inclusion of the South East zone in the Nigeria project.
Prior to going on recess, the House of Representatives promised to look into the Nnamdi Kanu case after a similar demand was made through a motion.
Speaking, Aguocha said, “The challenges we face are not mere statistics or headlines; they are real-life manifestations that affect the lives of our people and disrupt the functioning of our institutions and communities.”
Furthermore, he noted that criminal activity, banditry, kidnapping, assassinations, communal and religious disputes, and threats to life had hampered the region’s prosperity.
Rep. Amobi Ogah, the motion’s sponsor, claimed that “rather than combing the bushes to flush out criminals as demanded by the House, through its resolution, the police appeared to be the major threat.”
Ogah claimed that despite all his pleas, including the formation of a joint security task force to comb the bushes, nothing had been done.
Instead, he added, there are numerous police checkpoints, which he described as “embarrassing,” and kidnapping is still on the rise.
NAN