NASARAWA ASSEMBLY RAISES ALARM OVER FRESH KIDNAPPING WAVE, SEEKS URGENT SECURITY ACTION
Akwashiki says constituents can no longer sleep with both eyes closed as lawmakers urge intensified security operations across the state
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has raised the alarm over a fresh resurgence of kidnapping incidents across the state, calling on the state government and security agencies to urgently intensify efforts to protect lives and property.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau, raised the concern during plenary in Lafia while presiding over a Matter of Public Interest brought before the House by Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki, who represents Lafia Central Constituency.
Dr. Jatau expressed concern over the increasing cases of abduction in the state capital and other parts of Nasarawa State, noting that the development had heightened public fear and negatively affected economic activities.
He appreciated Hon. Akwashiki and other lawmakers for their contributions to the debate, stressing the need for collective action to address the growing security challenge.
The Speaker said the House had resolved to urge Governor Abdullahi Sule to direct security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to intensify surveillance and security operations across the state to curb kidnapping.
He further called on traditional rulers, village heads and local vigilante groups to collaborate with security agencies in identifying suspicious persons and activities within their communities.
Dr. Jatau subsequently directed the Clerk of the House to communicate the resolution to Governor Sule for necessary action.
Akwashiki Raises Alarm Over Abductions in Lafia
Earlier, Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki expressed deep concern over the frequent kidnapping incidents in his constituency, urging the state government and security agencies to take decisive measures to protect residents.
Akwashiki disclosed that two persons were abducted in Agyaragu, Lafia, on the day preceding the plenary session, while other residents had reportedly been kidnapped in Agunji, Lafia, in previous days.
He lamented that the victims abducted in Agyaragu were still in the custody of their abductors, who were demanding ransom.
The lawmaker said the recurring incidents had created widespread fear among residents, making it difficult for people in his constituency to go about their normal activities without apprehension.
He appealed to the state government and relevant security agencies to strengthen their operations and take urgent steps to prevent further abductions.
Lawmakers Demand Stronger Security Measures
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Esson Mairiga, Esq.; Hon. Onarigu Onah Kana; Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi Sa'ad; Hon. Suleiman Yakubu Azara; Rt. Hon. Abel Yakubu Bala; and Hon. Larry Ven-Bawa supported the motion and called for increased security presence across Nasarawa State.
The lawmakers expressed concern over the adverse effects of kidnapping on the safety, livelihoods and economic well-being of their constituents.
While acknowledging the efforts of Governor Sule in addressing security challenges, they urged the governor and security agencies to demonstrate greater commitment towards tackling the renewed wave of abductions.
The House collectively called on security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance and operational activities to identify and apprehend criminal elements operating within the state.
The lawmakers also appealed to both the Federal and Nasarawa State Governments to provide security agencies with sophisticated weapons and modern technological equipment to strengthen their capacity to combat kidnapping and other forms of insecurity.
They stressed that coordinated action among government authorities, security agencies, traditional institutions and community-based security groups was essential to restoring public confidence and ensuring the safety of residents across Nasarawa State.
