Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
No fewer than six persons have been kidnapped in the last three weeks in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The member representing Yagba East in the state House of Assembly, Emmanuel Obaro, disclosed this yesterday while moving a motion of urgent public importance in the Assembly.
Obaro said he could not ascertain whether the kidnapped victims have regained their freedom or not, stating that the issue of kidnapping and armed robbery is gradually spreading in his constituency which is creating a rippling-effect that can harm individuals, families and engulf the environment with fear and uncertainty across the various communities in Yagba East.
According to him, “I am aware that in the last three weeks, six different cases of attacks, leading to losses of lives, which are likened to banditry, are reported. Other cases of attacks in the form of kidnapping are on the rise. These attacks are affecting businesses already and dissipating the resources of the vulnerable victims.
“It is my desire that measures be resolved by this Assembly to address these issues and ensure that people can live their lives without fear of violence and victimization.”
The first-time lawmaker called on the state government to investigate the increasing cases of armed robbery and kidnapping with a view to identifying individuals involved, their modus operandi, and areas of operations, as well as putting an end to same.
He, however, commended the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for securing the state for more than seven years, praying that his motion will be given an urgent attention to restore peace in his constituency.
“ A passionate plea be conveyed by this august Assembly urging the State Government to provide a 24-hour security surveillance on Isanlu to Egbe road, where applicable, military, local hunters or vigilantes should be involved to eliminate the criminal threats,” he added.
Seconding the motion, the member representing Igalamela/Odolu Major Enefola, lamented that the resurge of kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery remains a thing of concern for all in the state, stressing that all hands must be on deck to address this societal menace.
In his submission, the Minority Leader and member representing Yagba West, Hon. Idowu Ibikunle, who could not hide his emotions following his experience while going to his constituency, said: “Whenever I am going to my home land, until I entered my home, my mind won’t be settled. Within Isanlu and the nearest village, the road is very bad and this men of the underworld easily operatethere. The problem is too much. It needs urgent attention to avert further casualties.”
Ruling on the motion, the Speaker, Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar, posited that the people of Kogi State are aware of the giant achievement of the present administration in term of security.
He charged the Assembly Committee on Security to interface with the newly appointed caretaker chairmen to chart a way forward in addressing the present insecurities in the state.
Meanwhile, A bill for a law to repeal and re-enact the Customary Court of Appeal (Establishment) Law, 2008 and other matters connected therewith, as well as a bill for a law to repeal and re-enact the Kogi State Area Courts law, 1991, and other matters connected therewith, 2023, and a bill for a law to enact the Kogi State Animal Disease Control and other related matters law 2023, have passed through first reading in the Kogi State House of Assembly.
