The Nigerian House of Representatives has urged the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector General of Police to ensure a thorough investigation into the invasion of five communities in Imo State.
The investigation is to unravel the perpetrators of the act, the reason for the invasion, and the number of lives and properties destroyed.
These followed the adoption of a motion under matters of urgent public importance on the urgent need to probe the invasion, siege, unlawful arrest, and wanton destruction of lives and properties in five communities of Imo State, by men suspected to be law enforcement agents.
Presenting the motion, Mr. Emeka Chinedu from Imo State said the primary responsibility of law enforcement agencies was to maintain law and order and not to destroy lives and properties or other actions that are inimical to fundamental human rights.
Mr. Chinedu also noted with serious concern, the alleged invasion, siege, unlawful arrest and wanton destruction of lives and properties belonging to indigenes of the five Communities, which commenced in the early hours of Saturday, February 12, 2022, by armed men suspected to be law enforcement agents.
He was concerned that Nigerians are increasingly losing hope and confidence in the Nation’s law enforcers due to high-handedness, unethical conducts and total disregard for rule of law and engagements..
The lawmaker believes that the fight against unlawful activities or any form of criminality must be anchored on rule of law as enshrined in the 1999 constitution as amended, especially when human lives and properties are involved.
“The danger inherent in a one-sided narrative as often packaged by law enforcement agents in such circumstances without thorough investigation is not only unhealthy for democracy but also an intolerable affront to fundamental human rights, especially where law enforcement agents can recklessly invade, attack, destroy and maim before coming up with some frame-up to rationalize extra-judicial activities.” Mr. Chinedu said.
While adopting the motion, the House explained that further delay in investigating matters of this nature may not only send complicating signals but also be counterproductive in the long run.
It also mandated tts committee on Police Affairs and the committee on Army to ensure compliance.
The communities affected are, Ihitteafoukwu, Umu Okirika, Oparanadim, Mpam, and Ogbor Umeze all in Ahiazu Local Government Area of Imo State.
Confidence Okwuchi
