Politics
THE Imo House of Assembly has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged murder of a Vigilante Commander, Mr Chijioke Ebiri, from Orsu Obodo, in Oguta Local Government Area.
The House urged the state Commissioner of Police (CP) and other relevant security agencies to investigate and arrest those behind the dastardly act and bring them to justice without delay.
The call formed part of the resolutions of the House, following deliberations on a motion moved by the representative of Oguta State Constituency, Mr Gilbert Nwosu, during the assembly’s plenary session on Tuesday in Owerri.
Nwosu lamented that Oguta was being ravaged by criminal elements, in spite of the efforts to safeguard the area by the State Government and security agencies.
He said that vigilance groups played a crucial role in complementing security services by police and other agencies, particularly in rural communities where criminality was on the increase.
He expressed concern that the assassination of the vigilante commander threatened the collective safety and security of the people.
The lawmaker further said that the barbaric act was not only an attack on the victim, but also the peace, stability and security of Orsu Obodo and the entire Oguta constituency.
He said that the increasing spate of violent crimes within the local government area demanded swift, decisive and coordinated action to ensure justice was served and also deter future occurrences.
He, therefore, prayed the house to call on the CP and other security agencies to immediately intensify investigations, apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice without delay.
He also urged all relevant security agencies to enhance security in the area to ensure the safety of residents and local security personnel.
Nwosu further urged the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to follow up on the matter and report back on the progress of the investigation and actions taken to safeguard the constituency.
Supporting the motion, Mr Chisom Ojukwu, said that if the situation was not contained, it might escalate and affect other local government areas.
He pleaded that the situation be nipped in the bud as quickly as possible.
Contributing, the representative of Isu State Constituency, Mr Kingsley Ozurumba, also requested that the matter should not be treated with levity, adding that it required prompt action.
He appealed to the police and other agencies to do more to secure lives so as to avoid discouraging the volunteers in the vigilance groups.
Also supporting the motion, the Ohaji-Egbema representative, Mr Uzoma Osuoha, called for heightened security around the inter-state borders to halt criminals fleeing from their states from entering into Imo.
Following more contributions and votes in favour of the motion, the Speaker, Mr Chike Olemgbe, ruled in favour of the motion.
The house later adjourned to Thursday, February 20. (NAN)
A.I
Feb. 19, 2025
Tags: Mr Chijioke Ebiri
