Insecurity: Senate Summons Service Chiefs

… Adjourns to Feb.6 for by-elections

Ignatius Okorocha,Abuja

The Senate has summoned the service chiefs in the country for an interaction concerning the rising spate of insecurity in the country.

The service chiefs are expected to brief the lawmakers on their efforts and arears they need support.

The service chiefs are expected at the National Assembly next week since the lawmakers have adjourned for one week in order to participate in the by-elections campaigns. The elections take place on Saturday.

The Senate had in December 2023, invited the service chiefs but the invitation was not honoured because the lawmakers went on recess.

The upper chamber had in a motion on the spate of insecurity in Nigeria sponsored by the entire 109 senators and presented by the Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, noted with sadness the rising spate of killings, kidnappings, banditry, and other criminal activities in the nation.

“Senate further notes the recent killings in Agata local government area of Benue State, which led to lost of lives, including security personnel and wanting destruction of properties as well as the brutal killings of eleven residents of Logo local government area of Benue State.

“It equally notes the various kidnappings in the Federal Capital Territory where victims have been killed after collecting ransom.

“Senate is also aware of several cases of kidnappings all over the country where huge ransom had been paid and several of the victims still got killed.

“Senate is also aware that the recent killings of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State and the abduction of primary school pupils in Ekiti had further aggravated the level of insecurity in the country.

“Senate notes the unfortunate bomb explosion at Bodija in Ibadan Oyo State where no less than five lives were lost and several residential houses, schools, hotels, and religious centres were destroyed.

“The Senate equally notes the killing of several residents of Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi communities in Plateau State,” Bamidele said, praying that the lawmakers should invoked its earlier resolution and invite the security chiefs.”

Continuing he said,”That the Senate do invoke its earlier resolutions to invite the security chiefs for an interactive session with the Senate with a view to resolving the insecurity that is plaguing the country,” Bamidele said before the prayers were approved by the lawmakers who also observe a minute silence in honour of the departed.”

Speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said after the interactive session with the security chiefs, which has been agreed for next week, they will also had a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“After our interaction with the service chiefs which should be next week, we would also fix a time to discuss the outcome with Mr President.

“We have a responsibility to collaborate with the executive and contribute our ideas to ensure that our constituents and ourselves, including our children can sleep with their two eyes closed.

“Security is everybody’s business, and without security, we can not have progress. We are very determined to make laws and pass resolutions aimed at ensuring rapid progress of the country and the immediate improvement of the Nigerian economy.

“This will not be possible without a secured nation. We will take this up with Mr. President after the interaction with security Agencies,” he added.