Reps decry spate of insecurity, task Security Chiefs on rescue over 100 citizens in bandits’ den in Anambra

The House of Representatives on Wednesday tasked all the Security Chiefs on the need to rescue over 100 Nigerians kidnapped and held captive by terrorists including Mr Steady Onome Idisi and Emmanuel Ifie, in Anambra State.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on Matter of Urgent National Importance on the need to address the spate of insecurity and abduction of innocent Citizens of Nigeria and for the immediate release of kidnapped victims including Rotarian Steady Onome Idisi and Emmanuel Ifie’, sponsored by Hon. Ben Igbakpa, who argued that Nigeria has become “inhabitable for both citizens and foreigners alike.”

In his lead debate, Hon. Igbakpa who solicited for the House intervention called for proactive steps geared toward ending the insecurity challenges ravaging the country.

“The House notes the increasing spate of kidnapping and banditry, which has rendered our nation inhabitable for both citizens and foreigners alike.

“The House is aware that on Sunday, February 20, 2022, Mr Steady Onome Idisi, the CEO of Lonestar Drilling Company Limited, President of Steady Run Club and a notable Rotarian, and his friend Mr Emmanuel Ifie were kidnapped at Orsumoghu in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. Mr Idisi is from the reputable Idisi family of Ovo,

Ehtiope East LGA of Delta State. Up until date, their whereabouts remain unknown.

“The House is informed that Mr Idisi on the said date checked out of his Hotel Room in Asaba in the company of his friend, Mr Emmanuel Ifie and proceeded on their journey back to Port Harcourt. They encountered gunmen suspected to be IPOB militants at Orsumoghu in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.

“The House is concerned that a well-known Nnewi businessman, Chief Gab Ofoma was on February 20, 2022, killed along the same road by men suspected to be members of the same gang of unknown gunmen terrorizing the area.

“The House is worried that several efforts made to locate Mr Steady Onome Idisi and Emmanuel Ifie have so far proved abortive as their whereabouts is still uncertain, and the victims may be held in captivity in a camp deep in the Orsumoghu forest where, by the account of an escapee, there is electricity, generators, SUV vehicles, and is like a City of its own, where evil reigns. By the same account, over 100 persons are held captive in that camp and are killed intermittently at the pleasure of the bandits.

“The House is further worried that a situation where non State actors rule over and dictate the conduct of citizens in a democratic country has been foisted on us. It is unacceptable and must be stopped by legitimate Agents of the State entrusted with the security of lives and properties.

“The House is assured that a properly coordinated and concerted inter-agency intelligence-driven efforts by the Police, Army and other security agencies in the form of a Joint Operation to continually raid the entire area, as was done in the past, is critical at this point to address this menace in order to dislodge the bandits and release their victims,” he noted.

To this end, the House mandated the joint Committees on Police, Army, Airforce and other relevant Committees to ensure compliance thereof and report to the House within two weeks for further legislative action.

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