The lawmaker representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa, has called on the heads of security agencies in Abia State to instruct their personnel to cease the extortion, intimidation, and harassment of motorists and commuters on highways within Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency.
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.
ALSO READ: Agric minister’s promise
However, I still receive daily complaints about the humiliation and harassment my constituents face from these security agents,” he said.
Osonwa highlighted that vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and the sick, are often forced by security personnel to exit their vehicles and walk long distances, sometimes in the rain.
While acknowledging the importance of security measures to maintain law and order, Hon. Osonwa criticized some security personnel for exploiting their positions at roadblocks to extort, intimidate, and harass motorists, instead of facilitating their safe passage.
The continuous intimidation, harassment, and mistreatment experienced by his constituents, especially along the Bende–Ohafia road, demand urgent action.
He appealed to the government at all levels to intervene and put an end to these abuses.
