By ERICJAMES OCHIGBO

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts in addressing the root causes of banditry and insecurity in the Southeast region.

The house recommended improved intelligence gathering, community engagement, and enhanced coordination among security agencies.

The call was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Rep. Paul Namchi (LP-Enugu state) at plenary on Wednesday.

Moving the motion earlier, Namchi decried the recent banditry attack on innocent farmers in Mgbuji Eha-Amufu, Isiuzo Local Government Area, Enugu state, which resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property.

He said that the attack also led to the displacement of residents who rely on farming as their primary source of livelihood.

The rep explained that Mgbuji Eha-Amufu and its environs had, in recent years, faced repeated violent attacks by armed bandits and herdsmen, creating a climate of fear, instability, and food insecurity in the area.

Namchi recalled that in response to previous attacks, the former Chief of Army Staff had deployed soldiers to the region to maintain peace and prevent further escalation, which significantly reduced the frequency and intensity of such attacks.

?Alarmed by 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 constitutional responsibility of the government includes safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens and ensuring that peace and security are maintained across the nation.

?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,? he said.

The house condemned the recent banditry attacks on farmers in Mgbuji Eha-Amufu and the wanton destruction of lives and property.

They urged the new Chief of Army Staff to immediately redeploy soldiers to Mgbuji Eha-Amufu and other vulnerable areas within Isiuzo Local Government Area to restore peace and prevent further loss of lives.

They appealed to humanitarian agencies and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials and support for displaced persons and victims of the attack.

In his ruling, the Speaker of the house, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas mandated the Committees on Army and National Security to ensure compliance. (NAN)

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