The Kogi State House of Assembly has expressed grave concern over the spate of insecurity challenges being experienced across the state, even as it confirmed the kidnapping of six persons in the Yagba East Local Government Area of the state under three weeks.
The member representing Yagba East in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Obaro, disclosed this on Tuesday when he moved a motion of urgent public importance on the floor of the House in Lokoja.
Obaro who could not ascertain whether the kidnapped victims have regained their freedom bemoaned the alarming issue of kidnapping and armed robbery which he said were fast spreading within his constituency and creating ripple effects that could harm individuals, families and engulf the entire environment with fear and uncertainty, especially across the various communities in the Yagba East Local Government Area.
His words, “I am aware that in the last three weeks, six different cases of attacks, leading to loss of lives, that are likened to banditry were reported. Other cases of attacks in the form of kidnapping are also on the rise. These attacks are affecting businesses already and dissipating the resources of vulnerable poor victims.
It is my desire that measures be resolved by this
Honourable House to address these issues and ensure that people can live their lives without fear of violence and victimisation.”
The lawmaker thus called on the State Government to investigate the increasing cases of armed theft and kidnapping with a view to identifying the individuals involved, their modus operandi and areas of operations with a view to putting an end to the same.
However, he commended the Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello for securing the state for the better part of the seven years of his two term tenure as governor.
Obaro who prayed that his motion will be given an urgent hearing to restore peace in his constituency, stressed, “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.”
Seconding the motion, the member representing Igalamela/Odolu Major Enefola, who equally lamented that the return of kidnappers, bandits and armed robbers remains a thing of concern for all in the state, insisted that, all hands must be on deck to address this societal menace
He recounted, “On December 24, 2023, a Rev Father was kidnapped in my Local Government Area 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, kidnapping across the State.”
In his submission, the Minority Leader and member representing Yagba West Hon. Idowu Ibikunle, who could not hide emotions following his experience while going to his constituency said, “Whenever I am going to my home land, it is not until I enter my home before my mind will get settle. Within Isanlu and the nearest village, the road is very bad, and this men of the under world easily operate there. 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 posited that the people of Kogi State are aware of the giant achievements of the present administration in terms of security.
Nonetheless, he charged the House Committee on Security to interface with the newly appointed caretaker Chairmen to chat a way forward in addressing the present insecurities across the state.
Meanwhile, a bill for a law to repeal and re-enact the customary court of appeal (Establishment) law, 2008 and other matters connected therewith, as well as a bill for a law to repeal and re-enact the Kogi State Area Courts Law, 1991 and Other Matters Connected Therewith, 2023 and a bill for a law to enact the Kogi State Animal Disease Control and Other Related Matters Law 2023 have passed through First Reading at the Kogi State House of Assembly.
The House, thereafter, condoled with the people of Ondo State over the passing of their governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
