Insecurity: Rep Ugochinyere condemns killing of over 20 in Imo communities

…Calls for adequate funding of LGAs to invest in security infrastructure

Chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere on Saturday condemned the killing of over twenty residents Imo communities.

He called for establishment of a Vigilante squad, comprising local residents, Police, DSS and Army personnel in the bid to respond swiftly and decisively to security emergencies across the country.

Hon. Ugochinyere who represents Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo State, gave the clarion call via a statement issued over the gruesome killing of over 20 residents of Umuolaoma and Arondizuogu communities within his Federal Constituency.

While expressing grief over the heinous crime, Hon. Ugochinyere tasked both State and Federal Governments on the need to arrest and prosecute the perpetuators of the criminal act without delay.

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In the bid to effectively tackle insecurity challenges across the country, he underscored the need for provision of adequate funding of Local Government Areas with a view to sustain security efforts as well as protect lives of Nigerians living in the rural communities.

He said: “I was deeply shaken this morning by the shocking news of the heartless killing in cold blood of our brothers and sisters in Umuolaoma and Arondizuogu.

“I stand with you in this darkest hour. My heart bleeds as I mourn with the people of Umuolaoma and Arondizuogu, whose loved ones were brutally murdered.

“I condemn in the strongest terms the Ideato massacre, an atrocity that has left our communities in pain and anguish. We demand justice for the victims and their families.

“The State and Federal Governments must take immediate action to protect our local communities, apprehend the perpetrators, and provide the necessary support to prevent future attacks.

“We need enhanced security measures that incorporate local intelligence gathering and seamless collaboration with our local police.

“This will enable us to stay one step ahead of these terrorists and safeguard our people.

“Furthermore, I strongly advocate for the establishment of a Vigilante squad, comprising local residents, Police, DSS, and Army personnel, to respond swiftly and decisively to emergencies.

“This joint effort will ensure that our communities are protected and that those who seek to harm us are brought to justice.

“Additionally, our Local Government Area requires financial empowerment to sustain security efforts and ensure that our communities are safe and secure. 

“This will enable us to invest in the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and personnel to prevent future attacks and respond effectively to emergencies.

“We will not rest until justice is served and our communities are safe. I stand with our brothers and sisters in Umuolaoma and Arondizuogu, and I pledge to work tirelessly to ensure their voices are heard.

“May God comfort the families of the victims and grant us peace in this time of sorrow.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE