Worried by the increasing wave of kidnapping, killings in the state, the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN) Abia Chapter, has warned that insecurity in Abia may become unruly if it is not properly addressed by the state government.
The association is concerned about the high wave of kidnapping within and outskirt of the state, while calling on Abia government and authorities saddled with the responsibility of maintaining peace and order to do the needful.
The association noted that many natives of Uturu community and students of the Abia State University,(ABSU), Uturu, have been abducted and made to pay ransom while others lost their lives while held hostage.
In a Press statement released by the Association on Sunday, June 19, 2022 stressed the need for “Abia state government to direct security operatives to immediately curb the menace by scrutinizing activities and occupants of the state’s forests, valleys and swampy areas believed to be occupied by these outlaws perpetrating the dastardly act”.
The association further called for the arrest and prosecution of these kidnappers terrorizing the Okigwe – Uturu – Isuikwuato road.
OMPAN demands Proactive measures to be taken in nipping the situation in the bud, before it becomes uncontrollable.
“We advise Abia government to strategise and bring an end to the high rate of kidnapping of students and motorists in the area; desperate situations need desperate measures.” OMPAN said.
“To tackle the level of insecurity within and outskirt of Abia state, OMPAN suggests the constitution of a joint task force headed by security experts not politicians to stem the rising tide of kidnapping.” OMPAN advised.
The statement reads; “Abia roads has become a source of terror for motorists and passengers who are mostly students. Many people including indigenes of Uturu community have been kidnapped and ransom paid while others lost their lives.
There are more than six security checkpoints along that road, yet people are still being kidnapped.
The Abia government must urgently take action to end kidnapping and killing of people plying Okigwe – Uturu- Isuikwuato road.
We are no longer safe. Many people have been Killed. No day passes without these hoodlums kidnapping motorists who are mostly students.
If proactive and strategic measures are not taken, investors and visitors will be scared away from Abia which will then have a negative hit on the developmental pace of Abia.
We advise Abia government to strategise and bring an end to the high rate of kidnapping of students and motorists in the area.Desperate situations need desperate measures.
To tackle the level of insecurity within and outskirt of Abia state, OMPAN suggests the constitution of a joint task force headed by security experts not politicians to stem the rising tide of kidnapping.
These security experts will bring in their wealth of expertise to map out strategies to work with security operatives for prompt solution.
In applying the expertise of the security consultants, Abia OMPAN tasks Abia state government to direct security operatives to immediately curb the menace by scrutinizing activities and occupants of the state’s forests, valleys and swampy areas believed to be occupied by these outlaws perpetrating the dastardly act.
Henceforth, Abia OMPAN as a media union can no longer keep mute on this ugly development as part of our responsibility to the society is to act as a watchdog. Thus, OMPAN will not relent in speaking volume via her media anchors on the primary role of the government which is to protect lives and properties of her citizens.
Signed:
Chief Paddy Anyatonwu,
Chairman Abia OMPAN.
Steve Unegbu
Secretary.
