A Non Governmental Organization, the Human Life Protection Advocacy Initiative (HLPAI) has called on the Imo State House of Assembly to enact a legislative framework that imposes death sentence on armed herdsmen involved in violent activities plaguing different communities in the state.
Speaking to the press, the HLPAI State Coordinator, Prince Maduba Chukwudi Francis vehemently condemned the growing trend of kidnappings, heinous attacks and other criminal activities perpetrated by Fulani bandits who disguise as herdsmen across Imo State.
He emphasized the urgent need for the state government to take swift and decisive action to address the security crisis, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.
According to him, the insecurity situation in Imo State is becoming increasingly unbearable as armed herdsmen have turned Imo communities into war zones.
He expressed worry over the continuous rise in kidnappings and attacks and maintained that the situation ought to be approached with an equally strong response.
He called for the imposition of death sentence on any armed herdsman found guilty of these heinous crimes and urged the Imo State government to resuscitate community policing and equip local security agencies with modern tools and gadgets to effectively combat the rising threats from armed herdsmen and kidnappers.
However, Maduba cautioned against using the state’s security challenges for political gain, stressing that the protection of lives must remain a top priority.
His words, “this is not the time for cheap politics. The safety of Imo people should be the paramount concern of our leaders,”
He also proposed a robust security strategy, calling for heightened vigilance at all entry points to Imo State. He recommended that police and military personnel stationed at checkpoints thoroughly inspect all vehicles coming from the northern region to ensure no illegal activities are being facilitated.
“Any truck suspected of carrying herdsmen or criminal elements should be directed to the nearest police station for immediate interrogation and investigation. We must be proactive in securing our borders and preventing any external forces from wreaking havoc on our communities.”
He reinstated that the Human Life Protection Advocacy Initiative remains committed to supporting efforts that safeguard the lives of Imo State citizens and calls for immediate action from the Imo State House of Assembly to enact the proposed legislation.
