By Muhammed Nasiru.
The member representing Ankpa federal constituency at the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Steel Development, Rep. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, has called for the establishment of a Naval Security Outpost at Bagana community in Omala local government area of Kogi state.
This, he said, was for being concerned that Bagana is currently bedevilled with insecurity as warring factions of the infamous Agatu crisis who took refuge in the community are often engaged in clashes, which often result in the loss of lives and properties.
The lawmaker revealed this during the House of Representatives plenary of Tuesday in a matter of urgent national importance on the “Need To Establish A Naval Security Outpost At Bagana Community In Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State”.
While presenting the motion, the federal lawmaker noted that “the clash between herders and the people of Agatu in 2013 led to the displacement of large number of victims who relocated and settled at Bagana town in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi, which shares boundary with Benue and Kogi States.”
He noted further that the ancient city of Bagana has over thirty five thousand inhabitants and comprises diverse ethnic tribes such as Igala, Agatu, Hausa, Nupe, Yoruba, Egbura, Igbos, Kanuri and many others because of its vantage location and the numerous economic activities that take place.
The House adopted the motion. Thereafter, question were put to the house taking cognizant of the urgent need for the Federal Government to intervene and protect the people of Bagana and the House resolves to urge the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to approve the immediate establishment of a Naval Security Outpost to man the vast waterways used by the invaders.
The House of Representatives also urged the Nigeria Police Force to establish a mobile police unit in the community for rapid responses and mandate the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation.
