From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives has charged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in addressing the root causes of banditry and insecurity in the South East geopolitical zone.
The House, while condemning recent banditry attacks on farmers in Mgbuji Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, as well as the wanton destruction of lives and property in the area, urged the Nigerian Army to redeploy soldiers to the community and other vulnerable parts of the council area.
The Green Chamber also mandated its Committees on Army and National Security to engage with the Army and other relevant security agencies to “ensure the immediate redeployment of troops to the area and to provide a comprehensive plan for addressing the security challenges in the region.”
It also called for improved intelligence gathering, community engagement, and enhanced coordination among security agencies to tackle the security challenges in the area.
Furthermore, the House appealed to humanitarian agencies and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials and support for victims of the attack.
This followed the adoption of a motion by the member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency of Enugu State, Professor Paul Nnamchi, at Wednesday’s plenary.
Nnamchi, while leading the debate on the motion, expressed concern over a recent banditry attack on farmers in the Mgbuji Eha-Amufu community of Enugu State. According to him, the attack resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and the displacement of residents who rely on farming as their primary source of livelihood.
The lawmaker explained that Mgbuji Eha-Amufu and its environs have, in recent years, experienced repeated violent attacks by armed bandits and herdsmen. He stated that the situation has created an atmosphere of fear, instability, and food insecurity in the area.
Furthermore, Nnamchi noted that, in response to the spate of attacks in the area, the Army High Command deployed soldiers to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.
Nevertheless, he expressed dismay that “the recent withdrawal of the military personnel stationed in the area has left the community vulnerable to further attacks and undermined the fragile peace previously restored.”
The lawmaker, while calling for the urgent intervention of the government, highlighted that “the continued insecurity in Mgbuji Eha-Amufu not only affects the local population but also poses a broader threat to national food security, as farmers are forced to abandon their lands.”