The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has raised the alarm over a fresh resurgence of kidnapping across the state, calling on the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau, raised the concern during plenary in Lafia following a Matter of Public Interest presented by the member representing Lafia Central Constituency, Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki.
Jatau expressed concern over the increasing cases of abduction in Lafia, the state capital, and other parts of the state, noting that the incidents had heightened fear among residents and negatively affected economic activities.
In response, the House urged Governor Abdullahi Sule to direct security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to intensify surveillance and operations across the state to curb the growing threat.
The Speaker also called on traditional rulers, village heads and local vigilante groups to collaborate with security agencies in identifying suspicious persons and strengthening security within their communities.
He directed the Clerk of the House to communicate the resolution to Governor Sule for the necessary action.
Residents Living in Fear — Akwashiki
Earlier, Akwashiki, who brought the matter before the House, urged the state government and security agencies to take urgent and decisive measures to address the rising incidents of kidnapping in his constituency.
He disclosed that two people were abducted in Agyaragu, Lafia, on the day preceding the plenary, while other residents had also been kidnapped in Agunji, Lafia, in recent days.
According to him, the two victims abducted in Agyaragu were still in the custody of their captors, who were demanding ransom.
The lawmaker lamented that the recurring incidents had left residents living in fear and unable to go about their daily activities with peace of mind.
He called on the government and security agencies to strengthen their response to kidnapping and other forms of insecurity in Lafia Central and across the state.
Lawmakers Call for Stronger Security Measures
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Esson Mairiga, Esq.; Hon. Onarigu Onah Kana; Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi Sa’ad; Hon. Suleiman Yakubu Azara; Rt. Hon. Abel Yakubu Bala; and Hon. Larry Ven-Bawa supported the motion and called for increased security measures across Nasarawa State.
The lawmakers expressed concern over the negative impact of kidnapping on the lives and livelihoods of residents, urging the state government to work more closely with security agencies to tackle the situation.
While acknowledging Governor Sule’s efforts in addressing security challenges, the legislators called for renewed commitment and intensified operations to prevent further abductions.
They also urged both the Federal and Nasarawa State governments to invest in modern security technology and procure sophisticated equipment to strengthen the fight against kidnapping and other security threats.
The lawmakers maintained that a coordinated approach involving government authorities, security agencies, traditional institutions and local vigilante groups was necessary to improve public safety and restore confidence among residents.
