Our Reporter
The House of Representatives yesterday urged the Federal Government to establish a Joint Security Task Force to address kidnapping and other forms of criminality on the Lokoja-Abuja highway.
The call followed a unanimous adoption of a motion by Shaba Ibrahim (APC Kogi) at plenary.
Moving the motion, Ibrahim said the security and welfare of the people was the primary purpose of government under Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
The lawmaker said the Kogi Local Government Area, situated on the ever-busy Lokoja-Abuja highway, was strategic by virtue of its nearness to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He expressed concern over kidnappings, killings and armed robbery on the highway, saying more than 45 people had been killed in over 84 cases reported between March 17 and December 5, 2019.
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“Twenty-five people were reportedly kidnapped between Ahoko and Adabo on the highway. In January 2020 alone, more than 96 people were kidnapped and 12 people out of the number lost their lives, including a teenager.
“Farming activities in villages in the area are at lowest ebb because of fear of attack as kidnapping and killings are recorded on daily basis.
“On January 3, in Tawari Village alone, more than 21 people were brutally killed by gunmen leaving 100 others hospitalised while Beji village of same local government area was completely destroyed,” he said.
The House urged the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to clear the bushes on the highway in order not to provide haven for criminals.
It also urged the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to urgently begin repair of bad spots on the road, especially between Abaji and Gegu.
Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila (APC Lagos), mandated the Committees on Legislative Compliance and National Security and Intelligence to ensure compliance.
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