Kidnapping surge: Nasarawa Assembly seeks surveillance boost

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has raised the alarm over a surge in kidnapping incidents across the state.

Speaker of the Assembly, Danladi Jatau, raised the alarm on Tuesday while contributing to a “Matter of Public Interest” brought to plenary by Solomon Akwashiki, the member representing Lafia Central.

The Speaker said the state capital and some parts of the state had recently experienced a resurgence in abductions, leaving people living in fear.

Earlier, while presenting the matter to the House, Akwashiki urged security agencies and the state government to show greater commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens.

He said, “Yesterday, in Agyaragu Lafia, two people were kidnapped. In days back, in Agunji Lafia, people were kidnapped.

“As I am talking, the two people kidnapped yesterday are in the hands of the kidnappers, and they are demanding ransom.

“The security agencies and the state government should rise to curtail the rate of kidnapping and other forms of insecurity in my constituency.”

Akwashiki further painted a picture of fear and anxiety pervading the communities.

• Kidnap syndicate lures Rivers victims through dating sites, five arrested
• Kebbi violence leaves three dead, residents fleeing communities
• Mutfwang vows arrest of Plateau attacks masterminds

He said, “The people of my constituency can no longer sleep with their eyes closed due to the frequent abductions. Something needs to be done to tackle this issue as soon as possible.”

In his ruling on the matter, Jatau urged Governor Abdullahi Sule to direct security agencies, including the Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to intensify surveillance across the state to curtail the surge in kidnappings.

“All hands must be on deck, especially chiefs and village heads in collaboration with vigilantes, to identify strange people in their communities,” he said.

The Speaker further directed the Clerk of the House to communicate the House’s resolution to Governor Sule for necessary action.

Lawmakers, including Esson Mairiga, Onarigu Kana, Ibrahim Abdullahi Sa’ad, Suleiman Azara, Abel Bala and Larry Ven-Bawa, supported the motion and called on the state government to beef up security across the state to curtail the spate of kidnappings.

They lamented how kidnapping was negatively affecting the lives of their constituents.

They further called on the Federal and state governments to acquire sophisticated weapons and use technology to tackle insecurity in the state.