Reps to Investigate invasion, arrest, destruction of lives properties in 5 Imo communities 

 

Jonas Ezieke, Abuja

 

The House of Representatives on Tuesday called on  Chief of Army Staff Lt.Gen.Farouk Yahaya and the Inspector-General of Police Usman Alkali Baba to immediately order investigation into the wanton killing of natives in Ihitteafoukwu, Umu Okirika, Oparadim, Mpam, and Ogbor Umeze in Ahiazu LGA Imo State who hitherto were peace loving communities before the inasion by men of the underworld.

 

This followed the adoption of a motion by Hon.Chinedu Emeka representing Ahiazu Mbasie/Ezinihite Federal Constituency of Imo State at the green chamber of the National Assembly during plenary on the floor of the House

 

Emeka noted  that Ihitteafoukwu, Umu Okirika, Oparanadim, Mpam, and Ogbor Umeze in Ahiazu LGA, have been peaceful and quiet Communities in Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency, whose citizens are known for  agrarian values and industriousness;

 

He further 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 said he was aware that the primary responsibility of law enforcement agencies is to maintain law and order and not to wantonly destroy lives and properties or other actions that are inimical to fundamental human rights;

 

 

“Also aware that such gestapo invasion, siege and wanton destruction of lives and properties after sporadic shootings is expanding in scope and frequency in the Country especially in Imo State, South East of Nigeria”

 

 

“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.

 

 

“Also concerned about the news of averted bloodshed across the Communities due to timeous  intervention of some community leaders who persuaded youths against coming to the defense of their lives and properties”

 

 

The All Progressives Congress lawmaker said he believes that in 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.

 

He also expressed worries noting that the danger inherent in 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.

 

He further argued that any delay in investigating matters of this nature may not only send complicating signals, but also be counterproductive at the long run, especially as law enforcement agents like their counterparts around the world,  they do not have the inalienable right to act lawlessly, waste lives or plunder properties of the people they are paid to protect.

 

Consequently, the House presided by the Speaker Hon.Femi Gbajabiamila unanimously adopted the motion through a voice vote

 

The Speaker urged the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector General of Police to ensure thorough investigation into the invasion of five communities in Ahiazu LGA, that commenced in the early hours of Saturday, February 12, 2022, with the view to unraveling:

 

The investigation by the security agencies is to unravel the perpetrators of the act, the reason for the invasion and the number of lives and properties destroyed, their offenses, and

 

It is also to identify why the communities that are not at war must be razed without recourse to the excruciating effect of rendering the innocent homeless as well as depriving the living their breadwinners;

 

The House therefore mandated the Committees on Police Affairs and the Army to ensure compliance to the resolution