Group Calls for Demilitarisation in South-East

A group, Imo Youths Peace Movement, has called for the withdrawal of soldiers from the streets in the state.

The group president, Chidubem Ogbenna, made the call Wednesday while reacting to the resurgence of criminal activities in Imo State.

Ogbenna noted that even with the massive presence of military men in the state, spates of killings have not reduced. He, however, noted that dialogue was the key to ending insecurity in the state.

He said if the government-sanctioned dialoguing with the criminals, he would volunteer to lead the move.

The group’s president noted that the state had suffered enough, stressing that the insecurity engulfing the State and the South-East has become a threat.

“We are Imo Youths Peace Movement. We urge the Federal Government to demilitarise South-East and Imo State in particular. Dialogue is the only key to solving the problem of insecurity in Imo State. The military does not understand the dialogue. They are trained to be forceful, which won’t solve our problem.

“Every day, we keep losing our young ones. Our state and national assets, including buildings owned by law-abiding citizens, are being razed. Businesses are folding up. People are now scared to come home. Investors are running away. This is not what we want. We need peace in Imo State. Our group is leading the way for peace. We are ready to dialogue with the aggrieved youths, and I shall lead the journey if government sanctions it.

“Youths can talk to youths in a language they understand no matter how bad they are. Let the government remove military operations. We, the youths for peace, believe it’s possible to calm the situation in the zone without a gun for gun approach. Let the government give us the chance to bring a permanent solution by removing the army from the streets,” Ogbenna said.