Insecurity in Kogi State
In a move to address the worsening security situation in parts of Kogi State, the House of Representatives has urged Nigeria’s security chiefs to undertake a comprehensive mop-up of illegal arms and ammunition in circulation.
Adopting a motion brought by Hon. Leke Abejide, representing Yagba Federal Constituency, the lawmakers directed the Inspector General of Police, Director General of DSS, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps to comb through the Yagba forests and rescue all abductees while bringing kidnappers to justice.
The call comes in the wake of heightened insecurity in the Yagba area, which was once renowned for its peacefulness but has now become a hotbed for banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal enterprises. Abejide cited a recent incident where 10 gunmen invaded a community, shooting indiscriminately before abducting a prominent businesswoman after she resisted.
This disturbing case appears to be part of a broader pattern of violations being perpetrated by armed groups who have been able to operate with impunity due to the failure of authorities to assure the safety of residents in the constituency.
By adopting this motion, the House has sent a clear message that it will no longer tolerate the activities of these criminal elements. Demanding a comprehensive security strategy from agencies like the Police, DSS, and NSCDC, lawmakers want the root causes of the insecurity addressed through stakeholder collaboration.
A core plank of this strategy involves the mopping up of illegal arms and ammunition from individuals and herders in the area. The public carrying of weapons like AK-47 rifles and cutlasses has been prohibited. Additionally, the security forces have been tasked with identifying and profiling persons living in obscurity within Yagba forests for the safety of residents.
These are pragmatic and much-needed steps to counter the flourishing illicit arms trade that enables such violence and lawlessness to fester. By cutting off access to weapons and identifying those taking refuge in hideouts, security forces can retroactively clamp down on the capabilities of criminal gangs.
However, the success of these measures hinges on their robust implementation on the ground. Strong political will and resource commitment is required from Kogi State authorities and federal agencies for veritable security enhancement.
If executed effectively, a comprehensive disarmament drive coupled with improved policing and stakeholder engagement could go a long way in restoring law and order to the Yagba area. Residents have already suffered enough from the reign of terror unleashed by bandits and kidnappers.
The House has set the right tone by putting the safety of citizens first. It is now incumbent upon security agencies to urgently act on these directives. Any further delays or lapses in guaranteeing peace in Yagba would be unacceptable dereliction. The people deserve to live without fear again in their beloved communities.
Reference
Mop up illegal arms, ammunition in circulation, Reps tell IG published in TheNations.