Nigerian representatives call for increased security measures in Kogi to combat banditry and kidnapping

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to enhance security measures in the Yagba region of Kogi State due to the escalating activities of bandits and kidnappers in the area.

This decision was made following the approval of a motion of urgent public importance put forward by Leke Abejide (ADC-Kogi) during a session on Tuesday, as reported by NAN.

Abejide highlighted the frequency of violent attacks and abductions that have been plaguing the region on a weekly basis, with a recent incident resulting in the tragic death of one of the victims taken from the home of a well-known businessman and political figure.

The lawmaker emphasized that the Yagba area has become a hotspot for criminal activities, particularly banditry and kidnapping, causing a constant state of fear and hopelessness among the local residents.

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The House’s resolution called for immediate and concentrated efforts from the Federal Government to address the security challenges in the region.

Specifically, the House urged the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police to conduct a thorough identification and profiling of all individuals residing in the forests of the Yagba Federal Constituency, especially those who are non-Nigerians for security reasons.

Furthermore, the House recommended a comprehensive sweep of all arms, ammunition, and weapons, including AK-47s and cutlasses, possessed by herders and other individuals in the constituency, with a call to prohibit the public from carrying such weapons.

Additionally, the House called on the Inspector General of Police, Director General of the DSS, and the Commandant General of the NSCDC to launch a joint operation to search the Yagba forests, secure the immediate release of victims, and apprehend the perpetrators of these criminal acts.