From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives has charged the Federal Government to intensify measures in addressing the root causes of banditry and insecurity in the South East geo-political zone.
The House, while condemning recent banditry attacks on farmers in Mgbuji Eha-Amufu, Isi-uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State and wanton destruction of lives and property, urged the Army to redeploy soldiers to the community and other vulnerable part 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 in addressing the security challenges in the area.
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 plenary.
Leading debate on the motion, he expressed concern over recent banditry attack on farmers in Mgbuji Eha-Amufu community in Enugu State. According to him, the attack resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property, as well as displacement of residents who rely on farming as their primary source of livelihood.
The lawmaker explained that Mgbuji Eha-Amufu and its environs, in recent years, have experienced repeated violent attacks by armed bandits and herdsmen. He stated that the development has created an atmosphere of fear, instability and food insecurity in the area.
Nnamchi added that in response to the spate of attacks on the area, the Army high command deployed soldiers to the area to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.
Nevertheless, he expressed dismay at “the recent withdrawal of the military personnel stationed in the area, leaving the community vulnerable to further attacks and undermining the fragile peace previously restored.”
The lawmaker, while calling for the urgent intervention of the government, noted 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.”