Over eight CSOs in Aba city decries rising security concerns, calls for immediate action

Stanley Ihedigbo

Over eight Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), under umbrella body known as Aba Network, have expressed concerns on the rising security situation in the commercial city and called for immediate action of the Abia State government.

According to the statement signed by the body, they noted that the commercial city of Aba, known for its peace and vibrancy, has recently been marred by a series of security incidents that have left residents in fear and anxiety.

” Since the first attack at the Milverton army checkpoint on May 17, 2024 there have been multiple assaults on security personnel by unknown gunmen, resulting in the tragic loss of both security agents and civilians. These disturbing events are rapidly altering the security narrative of Aba, creating an environment of uncertainty and apprehension among its citizens.

“The rising insecurity poses a significant challenge to the status of Aba as the commercial nerve centre of the east. The planned nationwide protest against hunger and bad governance, set to commence on August 1, has further heightened tensions. There is a palpable fear that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums to incite further violence, and concerns that security forces might confront protesters, despite directives from the Inspector General of Police for Commands to provide security for peaceful demonstrators,” they stressed.

The group after their emergency meeting, recently, strongly condemned the ongoing attacks on security personnel and civilians across the city.

“These acts of violence are unacceptable and must be addressed with urgency. We urged the state government and all relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to uncover the root causes of the growing insecurity in Aba and take decisive measures to combat it. In line with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, we demand that the Commissioner of Police in Abia State ensures adequate police protection for all intending protesters. The right to peaceful protest is enshrined in our constitution and must be upheld.

“We also urged all Aba residents to conduct the planned protests peacefully and responsibly. It is imperative that we remain vigilant, identify, and report any individuals or groups attempting to hijack the protest to incite violence. Protecting our city is a collective responsibility, and we must work together to maintain peace and order.

“Aba Network of Civil Society Organizations remains committed to advocating for the rights and safety of all residents. We call on all stakeholders, including the government, security agencies, and the general public, to join hands in safeguarding our city and ensuring that Aba remains a haven for its inhabitants and a beacon for potential investors,” they stated.

The statement were signed by the following, Executive Director Foundation For Environmental Rights,Advocacy & Development(FENRAD), Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor; Executive Director,Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), Com. Okoye, Chuka Peter; Executive Director, Oluchi Kalu Girl Child Foundation (OKGCF), Com. Oluchi kalu and Executive Director, Community Alliance Against Poverty, Com. Godson Ibekwe-Umelo.

Also, Executive Director, Initiative for Grassroots Interventions and Development (IGIDE), Eunice Egbuna; Executive Director, Vivacious Development Initiative. (Secretary Aba Network of CSOs), Ms.  Onyinyechi Joy Nwosu; Executive Director, Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (Chairman, Aba Network of CSOs), Com. Obinna Nwagbara and Executive Director, Great Development initiative Aba, Engr. Leonard Onyemesiri.