The Nasarawa House of Assembly has expressed concern over the escalating rate of kidnappings across the state, urging immediate action to address the growing menace.

In a resolution passed during its proceedings in Lafia on Monday, the Assembly directed the chairmen of the state’s 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to collaborate with traditional rulers and security agencies to organize a security summit within two weeks. The summit aims to find lasting solutions to the kidnapping crisis.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, made the announcement while reading the resolution on a matter of public interest raised by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Adamu Oyanki. Oyanki had drawn the Assembly’s attention to the alarming rate of kidnappings in his constituency and across the state.

The Speaker commended the mover of the motion and the Assembly members for their contributions, stating, “The resolution of the House is to the effect that we commend His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, and security agencies for their efforts in tackling insecurity in the state. However, we urge them to be more committed and to re-strategise in order to effectively combat kidnapping.”

Jatau further emphasized the need for the strict enforcement of the state’s kidnapping law, warning that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted accordingly.

“All Local Government Chairmen should collaborate with traditional rulers and security agencies in their domains to summon a security summit within two weeks to find lasting solutions to the issue of kidnapping in the state,” he added.

The Speaker also called on the people of Nasarawa to cooperate with security agents by providing useful information that could help curtail criminal activities.

In their contributions, several lawmakers, including Hon. Luka Iliya Zhekaba, Hon. Suleiman Yakubu Azara, Hon. Jacob Ajegana, Hon. Hajarat Danyaro Ibrahim, and Hon. Barr. Esson Mairiga urged security agencies to adopt modern technology and be more committed to protecting lives and property.

The lawmakers expressed concern that the rate of kidnappings had reached an alarming level, affecting not only ordinary citizens but also local government chairmen, traditional and religious leaders, and political officeholders. They noted that some victims had been released after paying ransoms, while others were killed, including within Lafia, the state capital.

Earlier, Deputy Speaker Oyanki recounted the dire situation in his constituency, highlighting that kidnappings had become a daily occurrence. He called on his colleagues to support his motion, stressing the urgency of finding a solution to the crisis to protect the lives of Nasarawa’s residents.

“Mr. Speaker and my Honourable colleagues, the issue of forceful abduction and kidnapping is a thing of concern in my constituency. We must find a solution to this problem to save the lives of our people,” Oyanki urged. (Daily Sun)

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