‘Resolve cases of missing persons’ – House of Reps advises Security Agencies
House of Representatives charges all security agencies in Nigeria to resolved issues of missing persons. The House called on the Police, the Department of State Service (DSS), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to be prompt in restoring the hope of the people by addressing unresolved cases.
They called for further investigation into the incidence of kidnappings and other security challenges around Yakurr Local Government Area waterways of Cross River State. The charges followed two separate motions moved by Hon. Chris Azugbogu representing Nnewi South/North/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency of Anambra State and Hon. Alex Egbona was considered at the plenary.
In his motion titled “Urgent Need to Look into Cases of Unresolved Kidnap, Insecurity in the South East Anambra”, Azugbogu agreed that a lot of cases of missing persons were confirmed in the southeast and Anambra State.
He said, “Among other crimes recorded was the kidnap of Mr. Obiora Agbasimalo the candidate of Labour Party for the Anambra governorship election. The kidnapping took place on September 18, 2021 in Anambra State.
“About five engineers working with Melan Consultants in Effium, Ebonyi State were also kidnapped. They were kidnapped since November 3, 2021 and nothing has been heard until date.
“These numerous unresolved cases create a high level of insecurity in the South-East. It is worrisome that till today nothing has been heard about most of these cases. These persons have families and loved ones who are already broken and left in perpetual agony.”
Adopting the motion after securing a favourable voice vote, the House directed its relevant Committees to work with the security agencies on the matter and report back in 6 weeks.
On the second motion titled “Need to Address the Incidence of Kidnappings and Other Security Challenges Around the Waterways of Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State”, Hon. Alex Egbona noted the increasing criminal activities by syndicates who specialise in kidnapping and other forms of militancy around the waterways.
According to him, law-abiding residents of the coastal and riverine communities have fled from their homes for fear of abduction.
“Hon. Ubi Itam Ettah, a former Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, was kidnapped in Ugep on 9 August 2021. The abductors escaped with him through the Ediba waterway-which runs from Cameroon through Etung – Ikom- Obubra – Yakurr – Abi – Biase – Akamkpa and Odukpani waterways to the Atlantic Ocean.
“The incessant abductions and other forms of criminality typify the height of insecurity that has forced prominent indigenes to seek refuge in neighbouring states of Abia, Benue, Ebonyi and Enugu.
“The rate of crime in the area has assumed a disturbing dimension with the wanton raid on business outfits and cold-blooded murder of prominent industrialists and economic actors as well as Policemen and other security operatives.
“The activities of the criminals have brought untold hardship to the people of the affected communities in Cross River State especially in Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency,” Egbona said.
Adopting the motion, the House urged the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali to deploy troops and beef up security to put an end to criminal activities in the constituency to forestall further loss of lives and properties. It also mandated its committee on Police Affairs to ensure compliance with the resolution.
Suzan O./NAN
