By CHINYERE Nnaemeka

In view of the Motion moved by the Member Representing Nkwerre State Constituency, Hon. Chisom Ojukwu, the Imo State House of Assembly has called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to direct the Ministry of Homeland Security, and other relevant agencies to urgently proffer lasting solution to ensuring that farmers and their farms are secured.

The members also urged the governor to direct the Ministry to commence immediate profiling and registration of Scavengers and Farm produce buyers in the State.

They further directed the House Committee on Agriculture to swiftly convene a joint meeting with the Commissioner for Agriculture, Livestock, Homeland Security and other relevant agencies to brainstorm on intensifying intelligence gathering and surveillance activities aimed at identifying and apprehending the perpetrators of such attacks on farmers.

The Motion was presented by the Nkwerre lawmaker, Hon. Chisom Ojukwu, on Thursday during the House Plenary.

Speaking, Ojukwu emphasizing that the production of food and other agricultural products is essential for the survival of the people of the state, pointed out that there have been several complaints by farmers on criminal invasion in the State.

This, he said has had a negative Impact on the economic and social well-being of the people, especially on the farmers.

He continued that if this is not tackled headlong, that it will not just lead to farmers suffering financial losses, but will further escalate the rate of food insecurity in the state.

The lawmaker further averred that it could also lead to another dimension of security challenge in the state, if farmers should decide to take laws into their hands because they feel the relevant security agencies are not living up to the expectation of ensuring their safety.

He therefore called on the Governor to ensure that the security agencies in the state rise up to the occasion of proffering lasting solution of putting an end to the issue.

The motion gained the support of the members of the House, and as there was no one against it, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, put it to vote, and the Ayes had it.

The Speaker further directed the Clerk to relate the resolution of the House to the governor.