The House of Representatives yesterday urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to carry out a comprehensive mop-up of all arms, ammunition, AK-47 rifles, cutlasses, and other weapons in the possession of herders and individuals and to prohibit the public carrying of such arms and weapons.
The House also asked the IGP, the Director General of Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to comb Yagba forests in Kogi State, rescue all abductees and bring to justice all kidnappers that have made the forests their home.
Adopting a motion of urgent public importance by Leke Abejide (ADC, Kogi), the House urged the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the IGP to identify and profile all persons living in obscurity within Yagba in the interest of the security of the area in particular and the country in general.
The House sought the setting up of a comprehensive security strategy, in collaboration with stakeholders, to address the root causes of insecurity and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents of Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State.
The lawmakers expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the area, which was hitherto renowned for peace but has become a hotbed of banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
Moving the motion, Abejide informed his colleagues that on 7 May, about 10 gunmen in black dresses invaded a community in the constituency and abducted a prominent businesswoman, Bukky, and a male customer after shooting indiscriminately, causing panic among the residents.
The lawmaker attributed the incident to what he called the failure of relevant authorities to protect the lives and property of the constituents, leaving them vulnerable to incessant attacks, killings, kidnappings, and violations perpetrated by armed groups.
