South East’s killing, kidnapping threatens foundation of region’s existence – Reps

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives ad hoc committee interfacing with security agencies to reduce banditry, assasination, kidnaping and others criminalities in Abia State, say insecurity is threatening the foundation of the region’s existence.
Rep.Obi Agocha, the Chairman of the committee said this in Abuja on Thursday.
He said the interface with security agencies was to address the insecurity that had cast a shadow in Abia State, as well as the region adding that the several instances of insecurity had threaten the region’s foundation.
He said the committee understood the fact that no single solution could provide a quick fixed in addressing the menace.
He however said that such challenges required a collective approach, adding that the security agencies and all stakeholders must be prepared to tackle this menace and it must stand the test of time.
“We recognize that insecurity requires a multi faced approach by requisite stakeholders and relevant agencies.
“We must collaborate to nip this crisis in the bud. we must work in synergy to create a stronger force against insecurity in the region. “
He said Umunneochi a community in Abia State, the epic centre of the battle has a cross boundaries with other states in the South East.
He added that most of the non state actors such as IPOB and Eastern Security Network often came to commit crime in that area and disappeared to neighbouring states.
The chairman however expressed its displeasure for the absence of other security agencies that did not attend the interface, adding that the lawmakers would not condone auch attitude.
The security agencies present at the meeting were: the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps.
The representative of the Chief of Army Staff , Brig Gen Gabriel Esho, Deputy Director Operation, said insecurity surged in July in the region.