Kogi Assembly: Motion Calling on State Govt to Intervene in The High Rate of Insecurity in The State

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The Rt. Hon. Speaker, my honorable colleagues; It is my fervent belief that we cannot achieve real security in a democratic Nigeria without addressing the actualization of the social, economic and cultural objectives set out in Chapter II of the Constitution.

A former Inspector-General of Police once stated that “National security entails the measures, facilities and systems put in place by a nation to secure its citizens and resources from danger and the risk of infiltration, sabotage, subversion or theft etc.” To a group of civil society organizations, the term ‘National Security’ implies “the absence of threat to life, property and socio-economic well being of the people”. This view tallies with Section 14(2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution which states that “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government; and the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.”

Whereas, the state of insecurity in Kogi State is increasing everyday with different kinds of crimes being committed ranging from kidnapping, hostage taking, cultism and armed robbery being carried out by disenchanted youths. The unabated waves of civil unrest have continued to heighten the state of insecurity in the land. An ugly incident occurred on Friday 22nd April, 2016 where three top Osun state government officials were kidnapped along Obajana-Lokoja-Abuja road on their way from Abuja.

Also, on Monday 20th April 2016, three staffs of the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) LTD, situated at Itakpe along Lokoja-Okene highway in Kogi State were also kidnapped by some unsuspected kidnappers.

Similarly, on the 20th March 2016, kidnappers took a heavily pregnant woman at gun point in Ankpa LGA, and later demanded for five million naira as ransom. But kudos to the joint forces of the Vigilante and the Nigerian police force who engage in a serious gun battle with the kidnappers, which lead to killing two of them and the woman was reunited to her family, though she lost the pregnancy.

Just yesterday, the operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, Kogi State Command said they arrested a 16 year old boy and other 29 suspects who have been terrorizing some cities and people of the state for armed robbery. I must state categorically that we are living in trying times, our mothers, fathers, relatives sleep with one eyes closed; we fear for our lives from kidnappers, robbery and various kinds of violence.

Therefore, be it resolved by this Honorable House as follows:

I. Condemn this act of robbery, kidnapping, cultism and social vices that is becoming a daily activity in different parts Kogi State.

II. Invite the Kogi State Commissioner of Police to explain the recent rise in anti-social vices and the role of the police in ensuring peace.

III. Urge the state government to take very urgent steps to combat crimes and ensure security of lives and property of the people of Kogi state.

I so moved.

– Hon. Ahmed Mohammed,
Member, Ankpa I Constituency


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