The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has expressed concern over the recent resurgence of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes in Isikwuato and Isuochi communities in Abia State.
The Executive Director of FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, said that the spate of insecurity in these areas, once considered relatively safe, has heightened fears and disrupted the socioeconomic activities of residents.
According to him, FENRAD strongly condemns the criminal activities that have led to the abduction of innocent citizens, attacks on commuters, and the general atmosphere of fear and lawlessness across rural communities in these localities.
He added: “We call on the Abia State Government, the Nigerian Police Force, and all relevant security agencies to urgently overhaul the current security architecture in Isikwuato and Isuochi and deploy adequate personnel and logistics to the affected areas.
“There is a pressing need for visible, community-sensitive policing and the activation of intelligence-driven surveillance mechanisms to dismantle criminal syndicates operating in the region. According to recent reports and local eyewitnesses, security checkpoints are either inactive, under-equipped, or compromised, allowing criminal elements to operate freely.
“This situation is unacceptable and requires immediate corrective action. No meaningful development, environmental or otherwise, can occur in an atmosphere of insecurity. Communities must feel safe before they can thrive. We cannot continue to allow rural areas to become soft targets for violent crimes.”
FENRAD further urged traditional rulers, local government authorities, community-based organisations, and youth groups to work collaboratively with law enforcement to identify suspicious activities and ensure the safety of their communities.
“We also call on the Nigerian government at the federal level to support state-led efforts by improving intelligence sharing and ensuring that security interventions are not politicised or delayed,” said Nwafor.
He emphasised that security is a fundamental right, maintaining that the people of Isikwuato and Isuochi deserved to live without fear.
“FENRAD stands with these communities and demands swift, transparent, and accountable responses to restore peace and order,” Nwafor stressed.
