The Nasarawa State House of Assembly expressed deep concern over the escalating kidnapping crisis gripping communities state-wide during Monday’s plenary session in Lafia, the state capital.
Deputy Speaker Muhammed Oyanki brought the pressing issue to the forefront, sparking a lively discussion among members. In response, Speaker Danladi Jatau directed local government chairmen to convene security summits within two weeks, in collaboration with traditional leaders and law enforcement agencies, to tackle the menace.
Oyanki, who initiated the discussion, described the kidnapping situation in his constituency as dire, with daily abductions reported day and night. He emphasized the need for swift action to save lives. Several lawmakers shared similar concerns, narrating how their constituents lived in fear of being kidnapped. They stressed the need for security agencies to intensify their efforts to find a solution to the security crisis.
The assembly resolved to enforce the anti-kidnapping law, which prescribes penalties ranging from imprisonment to forfeiture of property to death for anyone involved in kidnapping. The law, enacted in 2020, aims to curb kidnapping and other criminal activities. The assembly also called on citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing vital information to aid in the fight against kidnapping.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
