The lawmaker representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa has urged the head of security agencies to direct its personnel to stop forthwith, extortion, intimidation and harassment of motorists and commuters on highways across Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency.
The lawmaker in a chat with journalists during the weekend in Ohafia, decried the constant dehumanisation of his constituents by security agents especially along the Bende—Ohafia road, describing it as worrisome and depressing.
“I have spoken to the General (Commander 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army) to see how we can stop this and he said it had stopped even last week. But I’m still getting calls every day from all and sundry concerning the level of humiliation and harassment they are subjected to by these security agents.”
He said his constituents including pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and the sick, among other vulnerable persons, were often subjected to come down and walk a distance even in the rain by security personnel.
While commending all the security measures taken by security agents to prevent breakdown of law and order, Hon. Osonwa said some security personnel who had the primary duty to facilitate free passage and movement of commuters and motorists on public roads had taken undue advantage by resorting to extortion, intimidation and harassment of motorists.
He said the continuous intimidation, harassment and torture that his constituents experienced at the hands of those security agents especially along Bende–Ohafia road called for action.
