Akwashiki says residents of Lafia Central can no longer sleep with both eyes closed as lawmakers call for intensified security operations.
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has raised concerns over a reported resurgence of kidnapping across the state, calling on the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau, raised the concern during plenary in Lafia on Monday while presiding over a Matter of Public Interest presented by the member representing Lafia Central Constituency, Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki.
Jatau expressed concern over reported abductions in Lafia, the state capital, and other parts of Nasarawa, noting that the incidents had heightened public fear and disrupted economic activities.
The Speaker said the House had resolved to urge Governor Abdullahi Sule to direct security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to strengthen surveillance and operations across the state.
He also called for greater collaboration between traditional rulers, village heads and local vigilante groups to identify suspicious movements and support efforts to prevent criminal activities.
Jatau directed the Clerk of the House to communicate the resolution to Governor Sule for necessary action.
Akwashiki Raises Concern Over Abductions
Earlier, Akwashiki expressed concern over recurring kidnapping incidents in his constituency, citing recent cases in Agyaragu and Agunji communities in Lafia.
According to the lawmaker, two people were abducted in Agyaragu on Sunday, while other residents had reportedly been kidnapped in Agunji in previous days.
He said the victims abducted in Agyaragu were still being held by their captors, who were demanding ransom.
Akwashiki appealed to the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and prevent further abductions.
He lamented that the situation had left residents living in fear, adding that many people could no longer sleep peacefully because of the recurring incidents.
Lawmakers Demand Stronger Security Measures
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Esson Mairiga, Esq.; Hon. Onarigu Onah Kana; Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi Sa’ad; Hon. Suleiman Yakubu Azara; Rt. Hon. Abel Yakubu Bala; and Hon. Larry Ven-Bawa supported the motion.
The lawmakers called for increased security deployment and more coordinated operations to address kidnapping and other criminal activities across Nasarawa State.
While acknowledging Governor Sule’s efforts on security, they urged the state government to strengthen its response to the growing concerns raised by residents.
The Assembly members also called on the federal and state governments to provide security agencies with sophisticated equipment and modern technology to improve surveillance, intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness.
The lawmakers stressed the need for coordinated action involving government authorities, security agencies, traditional institutions and community-based security groups to tackle kidnapping and restore public confidence.