The National Igbo Women Assembly (IWA) has called on the Federal Government to withdraw soldiers from the numerous checkpoints scattered across the South East region, alleging that their presence is causing more harm than good.
The group, which represents Igbo women from various states in the South East, claims that soldiers deployed to curb insecurity are instead engaging in extortion and harassment of commuters.
They also highlighted that these soldiers are not only neglecting their primary duty but are also compounding the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.
Lolo Nneka Chimezie, the President of IWA, expressed grave concerns about the manner in which the soldiers operate. Speaking to journalists in Enugu, Chimezie said, “It is disheartening to see that instead of protecting the people, the soldiers have chosen to engage in extortion.
“They forcefully collect money from motorists and harass commuters, including the sick and elderly, who are made to walk across checkpoints on foot.”
The women also pointed out that despite the heavy presence of soldiers, criminal activities, including kidnappings, are still rampant near these checkpoints.
“Criminals operate with impunity not far from these checkpoints, yet the soldiers stationed there seem to turn a blind eye,” Chimezie lamented.
She added, “This failure to secure the people they were assigned to protect is unacceptable. We demand their immediate withdrawal.”
The National Igbo Women Assembly argued that the soldiers’ conduct is not only unjust but also discriminatory.
“Why is this humiliating practice exclusive to the South East? What wrong have we done to be subjected to such treatment by those meant to protect us?” Chimezie questioned.
The IWA’s concerns extend beyond the military’s conduct. They also criticized the Federal Government for its inaction on what they described as an ongoing anti-Igbo campaign in Lagos.
The group highlighted incidents where Igbo people have faced threats and attacks, yet the perpetrators remain free.
“We are deeply pained by the ongoing ethnic campaign and hate speech against the Igbo in Lagos.
“The people behind these attacks and the hate speech have not been arrested, and this raises serious questions about the fairness of our nation’s justice system,” Chimezie said.
The National Igbo Women Assembly’s call for the withdrawal of soldiers from South East checkpoints is a reflection of growing dissatisfaction among the region’s residents with the security situation.
Many feel that the heavy military presence, instead of providing safety, is exacerbating their suffering.
The South East region of Nigeria has long struggled with security challenges, including insurgency and violent crimes.
In response to these issues, the Federal Government has deployed soldiers to various checkpoints across the region. The intention behind these deployments was to curb criminal activities and restore peace.
However, the situation on the ground has led to significant backlash from local communities.
Reports of extortion, harassment, and a general sense of neglect have surfaced, with many accusing the soldiers of failing in their primary duty of ensuring safety.
