The Kogi State House of Assembly has expressed concern over the increasing spate of insecurities, especially, after the kidnapping of six persons in the Yagba East Local Government Area of the state three weeks ago.
This was disclosed on Tuesday as a member representing Yagba East in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Obaro, moved a motion of urgent public importance on the floor of the House in Lokoja.
Obaro lamented that the issue of kidnapping, and armed robbery is gradually spreading in his constituency.
Kidnapping, he said, is creating a ripple effect that can harm individuals, and families and engulf the environment with fear and uncertainty across the various communities in Yagba East Local Government.
He said, “I am aware that in the last three weeks, six different cases of attacks, leading to loss of lives, that are likened to banditry are reported. Other cases of attacks in the form of kidnapping are on the rise. These attacks are affecting businesses already and dissipating the resources of the vulnerable poor victims.
“It is my desire that measures be taken by this honourable House to address these issues and ensure that people can live their lives without fear of violence and victimisation.”
The lawmakers called on the state government to investigate the increasing cases of armed theft and kidnapping to identify individuals involved, their modus operandi, and areas of operations, and put an end to the same.
He, however, commended the Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello for securing the state for more than seven years, praying that, his motion will be given urgent attention to restore peace in his constituency.
”A passionate plea be conveyed by this august Assembly urging the State Government to provide a 24-hour security surveillance on Isanlu to Egbe road, where applicable, military, local hunters or Vigilantes should be involved to eliminate the criminal threats” he added.
In support of the motion, a member representing Igalamela/Odolu, Major Enefola, lamented that the resurge of kidnapping, banditry, and armed robbery remains a thing of concern for all in the State, stressing that, all hands must be on deck to address this societal menace
He said, ”On the 24th of December, 2023, a Rev father was kidnapped in my Local Government when he was going to perform his religious obligation. Ransom was paid before he was released. I would like us to speedily invite the head of vigilantes, to know their challenge and see how we can rub minds together to curb the growing spate of armed robbery, and kidnapping across the State.”
In his submission, the Minority Leader and Member representing Yagba West, Hon. Idowu Ibikunle, who could not hide his emotions following his experience while going to his constituency said, ”Whenever I am going to my homeland, until I enter my home before my mind will be settled. Within Isanlu and the nearest village, the road is very bad and these men of the underworld easily operate. The problem is too much. It needs urgent attention to avert further casualties”.
Ruling on the motion, the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar, said that, the people of Kogi State are aware of the giant achievement of the present administration in terms of security.
He charged the House Committee on Security to interface with the newly appointed caretaker Chairmen to chat a way forward to address the present insecurities across the state.
