Remove all security roadblocks in South East, Igbo women tells FG

Igbo women, under the aegis of Igbo Women Assembly, IWA, have called on the Federal Government to remove all security roadblocks in the South East, saying they were causing significant hardship for local residents.

According to the women, these checkpoints have become hotspots for harassment, abuse of human rights, and increased insecurity.

IWA further noted that the situation in the South East with regards to sit at home was calmly being observed without issues until the deployment of the security agencies that have now turned the area into a crisis.

Addressing newsmen in Lagos, IWA President, Lolo Nneka Chimezie called on the Federal Government to look into the activities of security agencies in the South East geopolitical zone with a view to preventing the breakdown of law and order with attendant loss of lives and property.

She accused some security personnel of complicity in the crimes that have plagued the area, suggesting that many of the violent acts being committed have the backing or active involvement of these officers.

She for a thorough investigation into these claims, to ensure that those responsible were held accountable.

She also frowned at what she termed hate speeches capable of inciting tribal wars by Reno Omokri, calling for his arrest as was done to the one Eze Ndigbo in Ajao Estate, Lagos, who was jailed for two years for being an Igbo man.

Chimezie who alleged that the Igbos were being marginalized in all ways, including political appointments by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, called for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kalu from detention in the spirit of national unity.

She emphasized that lasting peace and stability in the Southeast can only be achieved through meaningful dialogue, the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the dismantling of military checkpoints, and a comprehensive review of the security situation in the region.

She noted that the prolonged detention of Kanu has only deepened the sense of alienation and frustration among the Igbo people.

Chimizie believes Kanu’s release would go a long way in reducing the tensions that continue to grip the region, which has been marked by conflict, human rights abuses, and a heavy military presence.

She queried the judiciary over the lingering court cases and numerous activities that have further worsened the hope of the common man.