The House of Representatives member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa, has urged security agencies in Abia State to stop the extortion, intimidation, and harassment of motorists and commuters on highways within his constituency.
Osonwa condemned the persistent mistreatment of his constituents by security agents, particularly along the Bende-Ohafia federal road, describing it as “troubling and disheartening.”
Despite assurances from the Commander of the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army that the practice had stopped, the lawmaker continues to receive daily complaints from his constituents, according to Nigerian Tribune.
He highlighted the vulnerability of individuals, including pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and the sick, who are forced to exit their vehicles and walk long distances, sometimes in the rain.
While acknowledging the importance of security measures, Osonwa criticized some security personnel for exploiting their positions to extort, intimidate, and harass motorists instead of ensuring their safe passage.
The lawmaker appealed to the government at all levels to intervene and put an end to these abuses, urging security agencies to instruct their personnel to cease the harassment and focus on maintaining law and order while facilitating the safe passage of motorists and commuters.
In an interview with journalists over the weekend in Ohafia, the lawmaker condemned the persistent mistreatment of his constituents by security agents, particularly along the Bende-Ohafia federal road. He described the situation as both troubling and disheartening.
“I have spoken to the General (Commander 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army) to address this issue, and he assured me that the practice had stopped last week.”
