The Abia Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria, OMPAN Wednesday advised the Abia State Government to take proactive measures to nib in the bud the increasing wave of kidnappings, killings and other insecurity challenges in the State before it becomes uncontrollable.
The Association expressed concerns over the increasing incident of kidnapping and payment of ransome by residents and people along the Okigwe – Uturu – Isuikwuato road axis and students of the Abia State University,(ABSU), Uturu, noting that several others have lost their lives while being held hostage.
According to a press statement signed by its chairman and secretary, Comrades Paddy Anyatonwu and Steve Unegbu respectively, the Association , stressed the need for Abia State Government to direct security operatives to immediately curb the menace by scrutinizing activities of persons occupying the State's forests, valleys and swampy areas believed to be harbouring the outlaws perpetrating the dastardly crimes
“We urge the Abia government to strategise and bring an end the high rate of kidnapping of students and motorists in the Okigwe – Uturu – Isuikwuato road area, desperate situations need desperate measures.
"To tackle the level of insecurity within and outskirt of Abia state, OMPAN proposes the constitution of a joint task force headed by security experts, not politicians to stem the rising tide of kidnapping," the Association stated, explaining that the security experts are better positioned bring in their wealth of expertise to map out strategies to work with security operatives for prompt solutions.
The Association further lamented that there are more than six security checkpoints along that road, yet people are still being kidnapped.
"We are no longer safe. Many people have been killed. No day passes without these hoodlums kidnapping motorists and students.
"If proactive and strategic measures are not taken, investors and visitors will be scared away from Abia which will impact negatively on socio-economic development of Abia state", the state ment read, contending that the primary role of the government is to protect the lives and properties of her citizens.
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