Reps meet Police, Army, DSS over Abia crisis, others

The lawmakers particularly expressed concern over the situation in Aba, Abia, Abuja and other capital cities in the country.

Speaking at the meeting, Chairman, House Committee on Army, Shawulu Kwewum, emphasized the need to ensure safety of the citizens at all times.

According to him, it is unfortunate that Abia, as one of the original nine oil producing states, is naturally affected by some of the challenges facing the oil-bearing states.

Kwewum said that records from the Nigerian Police made available to the committee in Umuahia, showed that five kidnapping incidents were recorded in January, 2016.

He, however, said that the victims were eventually rescued.

Kwewum explained that a single kidnap case in any location in the country would not be acceptable and therefore, said that all hands must be on deck to ensure that this menace was completely addressed.

"At a town hall meeting, several groups and individuals told the committee that at least five persons are kidnapped everyday in Aba.

"Three incidents were recorded in February, 2016 and the three were rescued and released.

"Also in March 2016, four incidents were recorded; three were rescued while one died. In April, 2016, one incident was recorded while two incidents were recorded in May, 2016.

"Of course, this has become more urgent because kidnapping has become widespread and even the federal capital territory is not a safe haven.

"This meeting has become very important because the technology developed to make life easy for Nigerians is now being used to facilitate the extortion that goes with kidnapping," Kwewum said.

He said that due to the spate of kidnappings of innocent citizens, many businesses were folding up in Aba.

He further said that the security situation had taken a new trend considering the killings of armed security operatives.

READ: Abia Crisis - Governors' Forum worried, says Ikpeazu, Ogah should respect court orders

Responding on behalf of the security agencies, acting Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, commended the committee for convening the meeting.

Idris, who was represented by a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Headquarters, Joshak Habila, assured that ongoing collaboration among security agencies would rid the country of crimes and provide security.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was attended by representatives of Department of State Security (DSS), Nigerian Police and Nigerian Army.

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