The Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Commit­tee interfacing with the relevant security agencies to reduce kid­napping, assassinations and ban­ditry in and around Isuikwuato and Umunneochi LGAs of Abia State, Hon. Obinna Aguocha, has said that the interventions of the House and the security agencies have caused criminals and ban­dits to be on the run.

He also said that kidnapping activities are dramatically on the decline, and farming and eco­nomic activities are on the rise.

The chairman stated this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, the efforts so far is clearly work in progress, adding that to achieve lasting peace, plans are at an advanced stage to engage the governors of the South-East, traditional, and faith-based leaders, as well as critical stakeholders’ represen­tatives.

“It has become necessary to once again brief you on the secu­rity situation in the South-East, particularly in the Isuikwuato and Umunneochi local govern­ment areas of Abia State, and to update you on progress made so far.

“You recall that we have held several consultations and two public hearings the last of which took place on the 24tn of August, 2023.

“As a part of the search for lasting solution, we have also engaged with

Mazi Nnandi Kanu. I am hap­py to announce significant prog­ress in this regard particularly on the need to put a stop to the Mon­day sit-at-home that has crippled the economy of the South-East.

“We have interfaced with relevant security agencies and service chiefs on the imperative to reduce kidnappings, assas­sinations, and banditry in the South-East.

“At this juncture, we wish to appreciate the President and C-in-C, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and en­couragement in the pursuit of peace in the South-East which is evidenced by the presence and unalloyed support of the service chiefs in all of our public hear­ings.

“The committee also express­es our profound gratitude to the Honourable Speaker Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and the 10th House of Representatives as well as members of the ad hoc committee to interface with rele­vant security agencies to reduce kidnappings, assassinations and banditry in and around Isuik­wuato and Umunneochi local government areas of Abia State.

“Particular mention must be made of Dr. Alex Otti, the Execu­tive Governor of Abia State for his fatherly interest in the work and activities of the ad hoc com­mittee, and for his determination to ensure the success of the com­mittee’s work. Perhaps the work of this ad hoc committee would not have been possible without the motion ably moved by Hon. Amaobi Ogan, the member rep­resenting Isuikwuato and Umun­neochi Federal Constituency.

“As we have continued to maintain, it is incumbent upon us to come together, transcending our differences in our search for sustainable solutions that will quell these security threats and pave the way for a brighter future.

“Be assured that we will not relent in this task until we achieve total peace in Abia State, South-East geo-political region, and indeed, Nigeria,” he added.