Aguocha to Host Security Summit, Roll Out Community Safety Initiative in Ikwuano/Umuahia

The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Obi Aguocha, has announced plans to convene a constituency-wide security summit as part of efforts to tackle the growing wave of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in the area.

Aguocha disclosed this during a radio programme on Don FM in Umuahia, where he expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation and stressed the need for stronger community participation in safeguarding lives and property.

The lawmaker said the summit, scheduled for next week, would bring together traditional rulers, President-Generals, youth leaders, local vigilante groups and security agencies to develop a coordinated strategy for addressing security challenges across the constituency.

According to him, the increasing incidence of kidnappings and other criminal activities requires residents to work more closely with security agencies while strengthening local security structures.

He cited the abduction of his elder brother and two other persons along the Okigwe axis several weeks ago as a painful reminder of the worsening insecurity, revealing that the victims remain in captivity with no recent communication from their abductors.

“The issue of insecurity is real. The invasion of our communities by criminal elements is real, and we witness it daily through rising cases of kidnapping. We must remain vigilant and work together because security is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.

Aguocha disclosed that, beyond the summit, his office would support community security outfits with operational equipment, including motorcycles, walkie-talkies and drones, to strengthen surveillance and intelligence gathering, particularly in forest areas believed to be hideouts for criminal gangs.

He explained that the initiative is designed to improve collaboration between local communities and security agencies through prompt intelligence sharing while encouraging residents to be more conscious of activities within their neighbourhoods.

The federal lawmaker noted that although the Abia State Government and security agencies are making efforts to address insecurity, communities also have a responsibility to complement those efforts by taking ownership of their local security arrangements.

“We want a coordinated approach because security begins at home. If every constituency develops an effective community security framework, it will contribute significantly to making the entire state safer,” he stated.

Aguocha said protecting Ikwuano/Umuahia, which hosts the Abia State capital, remains a priority, warning that unchecked criminal activities could threaten development and undermine government efforts to improve the welfare of residents.

He commended the people of Umuawa community for establishing a functional community-based security network, describing the initiative as a model that other communities should emulate.

According to him, the active involvement of youths, traditional institutions, churches and community leaders in the Umuawa security structure demonstrates the collective effort required to combat insecurity.

Drawing from his experience as a former President-General of Ohuhu, Aguocha recalled that similar community-led security initiatives had previously produced positive results and inspired neighbouring communities to establish their own local security networks.

He said his long-term goal is to create a centralised security coordination system across Ikwuano/Umuahia to facilitate real-time monitoring of security threats, improve emergency response and restore public confidence, particularly among farmers who have become increasingly reluctant to cultivate their farmlands due to insecurity.

The lawmaker assured residents that the proposed security initiative would be backed with concrete actions and sustained support to enable communities work effectively with conventional security agencies in maintaining peace and protecting lives and property.