House of Reps calls for immediate Security deployment to community demands probe into killings – Crime Channels
House of Reps calls for immediate Security deployment to community demands probe into killings
On Thursday, the House of Representatives called on the Inspector General of Police, Chief of Defence Staff, and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to urgently deploy security forces to Edo State to protect the lives and property of its residents.
The House also instructed the security agencies to investigate the recent killings in communities such as Itsukwi, Imegba, Okpekpe, and Imiakebu in the Etsako East Local Government Area, demanding that those responsible be identified and brought to justice.
Adopting a motion of urgent public importance, sponsored by Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo), the House further called for financial support to assist victims whose farmlands were destroyed in the attacks, ensuring they can prepare for the upcoming farming season.
During the debate, Osawaru reminded the House that Section 14(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) mandates that the security and welfare of the people is the primary duty of the government.
He also referenced Section 17(b), which emphasizes the importance of recognizing human dignity and ensuring governmental actions are humane.
He cited Chapter 4 of the Constitution, particularly Section 33(1), which guarantees every person the right to life, stating that no one should be deprived of life unless in the execution of a court sentence for a criminal offense.
Osawaru concluded by affirming that all individuals are entitled to respect and protection from torture or inhuman treatment.
He disclosed that “on Monday, October 28, 2024, herdsmen invaded Ugbereke, a popular farmland known for its fertility, and destroyed completely the yam plantation of a youth leader in Itsukwi community (Ward 9, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State), Mr. Samuel Igbeneghu.
“On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, three farmers by the names Umuagene Obey, Emuesugheli Obi and Ogbitabu Imoudumhe (all from Okpekpe community in Ward 10, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State were ambushed on the way to their farms and brutally murdered by suspected herdsmen.
“On the same day, the killers made their way to Ugbereke, and killed one Undyar Aondongu, male, while at five women were beaten and left to flee with various degrees of injuries.
“If the federal government fails to take the necessary steps to protect the lives and property of the people; acute hunger owing to food scarcity would be the natural consequence, not just for the people of the area but the entire Etsako East Local Government Area and by extension, Edo State as a whole.”
