House Calls for Kanu’s Release to Halt Insecurity in S’East

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The House of Representatives ad hoc committee set up to interface with relevant security agencies to reduce kidnapping, assassinations and banditry in and around Isiukwuato and Umunnochi Local Government Area of Abia State, has called for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, as panacea for peace in the South East.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Obinna Aguocha, said at the resumed hearing, yesterday, that “As we navigate the complexities of security concerns, we must also be prepared to tackle the root causes of these issues at their core and work to ensure lasting solutions that would stand the test of time.
“For absolute peace, reduction of crime and criminality, investment in meaningful infrastructure development, ending the unproductive sit-at-home and improving economic growth and opportunities in the Southeast, starts with the government’s recognition of the rule of law, justics, and equitable inclusion of the Southeast zone in the project Nigeria and the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from unlawful detention to ensure lasting peace and security in the entire region.”

The House had before embarking on recess pledged to wade into the matter following a similar demand through a motion, however, yet to take any action to that effect.
The committee, however, stated that, “The challenges we face are not mere statistics or headlines; they are real-life manifestations that affect the lives of our people, disrupt the functioning of our institutions and communities, thus impeding the growth of our region.
“Instances of criminal activities, banditry, kidnapping, assassinations, communal and religious clashes, and threats to life have shaken the very foundation of our societies. As leaders and stakeholders, it is incumbent upon us to come together, transcending our differences, to find sustainable solutions that will quell these threats and pave the way for a brighter future”

“We recognise that insecurity cannot be combated by one entity alone; it does require a collective, multi-faceted approach that encompasses various perspectives and expertise of law enforcement agencies, community leaders, policymakers, scholars, and citizens”, he said, adding that ongoing engagement will provide the opportunity to harness the diverse perspectives and channel them into coherent, actionable strategies for peace.

“The cross-border dynamics of the primary focus areas bring additional complexity to the challenges of the task ahead. The common borders, shared with four other states connect the primary focus areas to Ebonyi State via Isiagu, Enugu State via Agwu, Imo state via Okigwe and Anambra via Awka.”