The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian Federal Government to intensify security efforts in the Yagba axis of Kogi State due to escalating banditry and kidnapping activities. This resolution followed an urgent motion presented by Leke Abejide (ADC-Kogi) on the House floor on Tuesday.
Abejide highlighted the alarming frequency of violent attacks and kidnappings in the area, stating that such incidents now occur weekly. He cited a recent case where two individuals were kidnapped from the home of a prominent businessman and political figure, resulting in the death of one victim. Abejide described the Yagba region as an epicenter of banditry, with criminals operating daily and instilling fear among the local population.
In response, the House adopted the motion and called on the Federal Government to direct immediate and concentrated security efforts towards the Yagba area. Specifically, the House urged the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to identify and profile individuals living in obscurity within the forests of the Yagba Federal Constituency, noting that many such individuals are non-Nigerians and must be identified for security purposes.
Additionally, the House requested the IGP to conduct a comprehensive mop-up of all arms, ammunition, AK-47 rifles, cutlasses, and other weapons held by herders and other individuals in the constituency. They emphasized the need to prohibit the public from carrying such weapons.
Furthermore, the House called on the IGP, Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to comb the Yagba forests, secure the immediate release of kidnapping victims, and arrest the perpetrators.
