Kidnappings: Lawmakers raise alarm over insecurity in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has raised the alarm over rising cases of insecurity in the state, especially kidnapping.

Danladi Jatau, the speaker of the parliament, stated this on Wednesday after the member representing Lafia Central constituency, Solomon Akwashiki, raised the issue during the proceedings in Lafia.

The speaker called on security agencies to utilise the anti-kidnapping law passed by the House to curb kidnapping in Nasarawa. 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 Akwashiki, member representing Lafia Central constituency, had raised concerns that Lafia was no longer a safe haven, following several kidnaps.

“Mr Speaker, if Lafia is not safe, where else will be safe? These kidnappers are on a rampage, causing harm unhindered. We must rise up before it is too late,” Mr Akwashiki said.

Also contributing, Daniel Ogazi (APC-Kokona East) reminded the lawmakers that the parliament 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,” Mr Ogazi said.

Majority leader Suleiman Azara, Esson Mairiga (PDP-Lafia North), and Mohammed Omadefu (APC-Keana) urged security agencies in the state to adopt new tactics in combating kidnapping.