Tochukwu Chukwu
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to get Oji River Local Government as well as Enugu State and its environs rid of armed criminals terrorising the people.
The House also directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) immediately arrest and prosecute those responsible for the recent gruesome murder of a farmer, Mr. Eugene Iloabani, at Isiokwe village, Amankpunano community in Oji River Local Government of Enug State.
The resolutions were sequel to a motion on a Matter of Urgent National Importance sponsored by the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, Thursday.
The lawmaker, who represents Aninri/Awgy/Oji River Federal Constituency, Enugu State, noted that “the late Mr Eugene Iloabani was reportedly hacked to death on June 29, 2020 by suspected killer herdsmen”.
He equalled urged the House to equally note “other recent attacks involving killer herdsmen in Oji River axis of Enugu State and killings of farmers, rape and pillaging of communities in various parts of the federation”.
“The primary purpose of every government is the welfare of the people and security of lives and property, but because of the worsening state of insecurity, our farmers have abandoned their farms for safety, a situation that will result in food shortage, hunger and drought.
“A recent report stated that between 2017 and May 2, 2020, herdsmen carried out 654 attacks, killed 2, 539 and kidnapped 253 people in Nigeria.
“Therefore, bringing the killers to book would serve as deterrence to other criminal elements in the state”, Okechukwu stated.
He added that whereas the investments by various State governments, including Enugu State, in the area of security were commendable, the overwhelming challenges were much for the States.
Consequently, the House additionally called on the federal government and particularly the IGP to not only get Oji River, Enugu, and its environs rid of armed criminals, but to also deploy sufficient security personnel in said community and Enugu State in general to provide a clement environment for our people to pursue their trade.
It further directed the IGP to “investigate, apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of this heinous crime”.
Precious Chukwuwa
When those that Nigerians voted into office both at the State and Nation Assembly rise up to truly appreciate and defend their electorates, then will there be peace and security of lives and property in Nigeria. The nation is crying over the activities of the Insurgents BUT the atrocities of the Fulani Herdsmen remains the worst. Please our legislators, help us, convince your fellow Nigerians that their hope on you is not in vain. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.