Mop up all arms and ammunition such as AK-47, others in circulation– House of Reps tell IGP

Mop up all arms and ammunition such as AK-47, others in circulation– House of Reps tell IGP

House of Reps responds to Yagba insecurity crisis, calls for comprehensive disarmament operation, kidnap victims’ rescue

The House of Representatives, had on Tuesday, May 21,requested Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to carry out a thorough disarmament operation targeting all arms, ammunition, AK-47s, cutlasses, and other weapons held by herders and individuals.

They also urged the enforcement of a ban on the public carrying of such weapons. Furthermore, the House called on the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the State Security Service, and the Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps to search Yagba forests to secure the immediate release of kidnapped victims and bring kidnappers to justice.

In response to a motion of urgent public importance by Leke Abejide (ADC, Kogi), the House also suggested that the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police identify and profile individuals living clandestinely within Yagba for the security of the area and the country as a whole.

The House emphasised the need for 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 in the Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State. Lawmakers expressed deep concern over the increasing insecurity in an area that was once peaceful but is now plagued by banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.

Abejide informed his colleagues about a recent incident where gunmen abducted a prominent businesswoman and a male customer, causing widespread panic. Abejide attributed this incident to the failure of relevant authorities to protect the lives and properties of the constituents, leaving them vulnerable to repeated attacks, killings, kidnappings, and violations by armed groups.

He noted that similar violent incidents occur weekly in the area, including abductions and killings by herdsmen. He reported multiple kidnappings and murders in the region, allegedly carried out by armed groups posing as cattle herders.

These groups are said to be non-Nigerians infiltrating farms and forests to engage in criminal activities, causing fear and division within the community.

Abejide expressed concern over the security agencies’ apparent inability to address the takeover of farmlands in Yagba Federal Constituency by armed individuals.