Insecurity of the Okigwe area: an invitation to leaders to go up above the silence

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… * It is time to set the committee of truth, peace, reconciliation and restoration of the Okigwe ‘ * * area * *

By Engr. Chibuikem derate

In recent years, the Okigwe area in the state of imo has become a point of insecurity in the south -est. Once known for its fertile lands, the strategic position and the vibrant communities, the area is now frequently in the news of violence, kidnappings and murders by non -state actors. Just last month, five people were picked up in Ezinnachi Okigwe. In addition, Hon Ngozi Ogbu, an ex -legislator who represents the electoral college of the state of Okigwe State was kidnapped in the Onuimo area for days, but the silence of many of those elected to represent the people has been deafening.

The Okigwe area is not without leadership. The area is represented by a senator sitting for IMO North, two members of the House of Representatives, the speaker of the Chamber of the Assembly of the Imo State (from Ihitte Uboma), five other members of the assembly Chamber, 6 presidents of the local government and hundreds of councilors. These are not small offices. They are positions entrusted to the moral and political responsibility to give voice to the people in times of crisis. Yet, in the face of growing insecurity, their collective silence was described by many as “the silence of the lambs”.

Leadership is important in turbulence times. The safety challenges are not only resolved by weapons; Require people’s vision, courage and trust. True leaders must take responsibility for educating and illuminating citizens on the dangers of helping non -state actors, to create confidence in the safety systems and to protect sensitive information that, if leaks, endanger entire communities. This type of moral and practical leadership is what the Okigwe area requires urgently.

The government, both state and federal level, must also demonstrate a renewed commitment to end this crisis. It is not enough to distribute troops or increase checkpoints. While military kinetic vehicles, arrests and tactical-tactical interventions are necessary to combat violent groups, non-Kinetic strategies are equally crucial. These include dialogues, socio-economic empowerment, reorientation and rehabilitation of vulnerable young people; and creation of paths for peaceful reintegration. The best practices at a global level shows that insecurity is faced in a sustainable way only when caused by the root as poverty, unemployment and distrust in the institutions are faced together with military action.

It should also be said that while the language of freedom and self -determination is not wrong in itself, it must never be pursued through violence, kidnapping or bloodshed. Authentic struggles for freedom are successful only when they are rooted in peace, dialogue and respecting human life. Part of the non -Kinetic solution in the Okigwe area must therefore be a deliberated collaboration between leaders, communities and even fluid groups to set up *The committee of truth, peace, reconciliation and restoration of the Okigwe ‘ *area *. Such an organ would not only provide a way to dialogue and reintegration, but would also give families who have lost their loved ones a sense of closure, healing and justice.

Communities also have a vital role to play. Safety is not exclusively the responsibility of the police or army. The villages, unions and leaders of faith must be proactive in discouraging criminal culture. Information sharing is a powerful weapon like any gun; When citizens trust their leaders and safety agencies, they become active partners in identifying threats before intensifying. The Okigwe area must rediscover this culture of community supervision and solidarity if it is a matter of regaining peace.

In the midst of this worrying silence from most elected representatives, a voice remained consistent. Senator Athan Nneji Achonu, popularly known as “general of arm”, did not avoid talking about the truth in power. Although currently he does not have a political office, his declarations, the defense and the visible concern for the difficult situation of Okigwe Zone are proof of his unwavering love for the area and the IMO state in general. His voice shows that leadership does not only concern the position, but concerns belief, courage and sacrifice.

The Okigwe area is a crossroads. Homicides, kidnappings and fear cannot become the new normality. Leaders must overcome silence and complacency, the communities must be firm against enemies inside and the government must combine kinetic and non -Kinetic tools to recover peace. Something less would be a betrayal of the generations but not yet born.

*Chibuikem derate (Chibuike Ogbuagu III)*

govchibuikem@gmail.com