The Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN) Abia Chapter, has expressed outrage over the increasing wave of kidnapping and killings in the state, warning that insecurity in Abia may become unruly.
The high wave of kidnapping within and outskirt of the state according to the association has left Abians in a state of dismay.
The association also noted that many natives of the Uturu community and students of the Abia State University,(ABSU), Uturu, have been abducted and made to pay the ransom while others lost their lives while held hostage.
A press statement released by the Association on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, stressed the need for the “Abia state government to direct security operatives to immediately curb the menace by scrutinizing activities and occupants of the state’s forests, valleys and swampy areas believed to be occupied by these outlaws perpetrating the dastardly act”.
The association is calling on the Abia State government and authorities saddled with the responsibility of maintaining peace and order to do the needful.
It further called for the arrest and prosecution of these kidnappers terrorizing the Okigwe – Uturu – Isuikwuato road.
OMPAN called for Proactive measures to be taken in nipping the situation in the bud before it becomes uncontrollable.
“We advise the Abia government to strategise and bring an end to the high rate of kidnapping of students and motorists in the area; desperate situations need desperate measures.”
“To tackle the level of insecurity within and outskirt of Abia state, OMPAN suggests the constitution of a joint task force headed by security experts, not politicians to stem the rising tide of kidnapping,” OMPAN advised.
The statement reads; “Abia roads have become a source of terror for motorists and passengers who are mostly students. Many people including indigenes of the Uturu community have been kidnapped and ransom paid while others lost their lives.
There are more than six security checkpoints along that road, yet people are still being kidnapped.
The Abia government must urgently take action to end the kidnapping and killing of people plying the Okigwe – Uturu- Isuikwuato road.
We are no longer safe. Many people have been Killed. No day passes without these hoodlums kidnapping motorists who are mostly students.
If proactive and strategic measures are not taken, investors and visitors will be scared away from Abia which will then have a negative hit on the developmental pace of Abia.
We advise the Abia government to strategise and bring an end to the high rate of kidnapping of students and motorists in the area. Desperate situations need desperate measures.
To tackle the level of insecurity within and outskirt of Abia state, OMPAN suggests the constitution of a joint task force headed by security experts, not politicians to stem the rising tide of kidnapping.
These security experts will bring in their wealth of expertise to map out strategies to work with security operatives for prompt solutions.
In applying the expertise of the security consultants, Abia OMPAN tasks the Abia state government to direct security operatives to immediately curb the menace by scrutinizing activities and occupants of the state’s forests, valleys and swampy areas believed to be occupied by these outlaws perpetrating the dastardly act.
Henceforth, Abia OMPAN as a media union can no longer keep mute on this ugly development as part of our responsibility to society is to act as a watchdog. Thus, OMPAN will not relent in speaking volume via her media anchors on the primary role of the government which is to protect the lives and properties of her citizens.”
Signed:
Comrade Paddy Anyatonwu,
Chairman Abia OMPAN.
Comrade Loveday Chidi.
Public Relation Officer (PRO).
Comrade Steve Unegbu
Secretary.
