Aguocha to Convene Security Summit, Unveil Community Safety Initiative for Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency
The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, has announced plans to convene a security summit aimed at strengthening community-based efforts to tackle rising cases of kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities across the constituency.
Speaking during a radio programme on Don FM, Umuahia, Aguocha expressed concern over the worsening security situation, stressing that communities must become more proactive in safeguarding lives and property while working closely with government and security agencies.
According to the lawmaker, insecurity has become a daily reality for residents, citing the abduction of his elder brother and two other persons along the Okigwe axis several weeks ago. He disclosed that the victims remain in captivity, adding that there has been no recent communication from the abductors or proof that they are still alive.
“The issue of insecurity is real. The invasion of our communities by criminal elements is real, and we see it every day with the increasing number of kidnappings. We must defend ourselves while waiting for government assistance. We have to be vigilant, focused and work together because security is everyone’s responsibility”, Aguocha said.
He revealed that the proposed security summit, scheduled to hold next week, would bring together traditional rulers, President-Generals, youth leaders, local vigilante groups and security agencies from across Ikwuano/Umuahia to develop a coordinated strategy for protecting communities.
Aguocha said the summit would be followed by the empowerment of community security outfits with operational tools, including Motorcycles, walkie-talkies and drones, to enhance surveillance and intelligence gathering, particularly in forests suspected to be hideouts for criminal elements.
He noted that the initiative would also focus on improving collaboration between communities and security agencies through timely intelligence sharing, while encouraging residents to know those living within their neighbourhoods.
The federal lawmaker maintained that although the Abia State Government and security agencies are making efforts to address insecurity, communities must complement those efforts by taking ownership of their local security architecture.
“We want coordinated efforts. Security begins at home. If every constituency strengthens its security structure, it will contribute significantly to making the entire state safer”, he stated.
Aguocha added that securing Ikwuano/Umuahia which happens to be the seat of the state capital, remains a priority, warning that allowing criminal activities to spread unchecked could undermine development and distract the government from its developmental agenda.
He also commended the people of Umuawa community for establishing an organised community security structure, describing it as a model worthy of emulation by other communities.
According to him, the active participation of youths, elders, churches and community leaders in the Umuawa security initiative demonstrates the collective approach required to combat insecurity.
Drawing from his experience as a former President-General of Ohuhu, Aguocha recalled that similar community-driven security initiatives had yielded positive results and inspired neighbouring communities to establish their own security networks.
He said his long-term vision is to establish a centralised security coordination system across Ikwuano/Umuahia that will enable real-time monitoring of security situations, improve emergency response and restore confidence among residents, especially farmers who have become increasingly reluctant to access their farmlands due to fear of attacks.
The lawmaker further assured his constituents that beyond making public statements, he is committed to backing his words with concrete actions to ensure communities are better equipped to defend themselves and support formal security agencies in maintaining peace and order.
