The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has raised an alarm over rising cases of insecurity in the state, especially kidnapping.
Dr. Danladi Jatau, Speaker of the House, stated this on Wednesday after the member representing Lafia Central Constituency, Mr Solomon Akwashiki, raised the issue during the matter of public interest during the House Proceedings in Lafia.
The speaker called on security agencies in the state to utilise the anti-kidnapping law passed by the House to curb kidnapping in the state.
He also expressed concern over complicity in the continuous act of kidnapping, worrying that the state was gradually becoming a kidnapping den.
“Our resolutions are as thus, we call on the state governor to direct security agencies to beef up security across the state. Secondly, we are directing security agencies to use the law passed by this House to curb kidnapping.
“Thirdly, we call on residents to report suspicious movements, activities and individuals to security agents for action,” The speaker said.
Earlier, Mr Solomon Akwashiki, member representing Lafia Central constituency, had raised concerns that Lafia, the Nasarawa State Capital was no longer a safe haven, following the continuous act of kidnapping.
“Mr Speaker, if Lafia is not safe where else will be safe? These kidnappers are on rampage causing harm unhindered. We must rise up before it is too late,” Akwashiki said.
Also contributing, Daniel Ogazi (APC-Kokona East) reminded the House that the state assembly had passed an anti-kidnapping law and wondered why it was being treated with kid gloves.
“The law passed by this House provided that if a kidnapper is arrested, he or she should be eliminated. This was working, but we don’t know what later happened,” Ogazi said.
Also contributing, the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Suleiman Azara, Mr Esson Mairiga (PDP-Lafia North) and Mr Mohammed Omadefu (APC-Keana) urged security agencies in the state to change tactics in curbing kidnapping.