The Senate observed a minute silence for those who lost their lives as a result of the insecurity and killings in the country.
The Senate has resolved to invite security Chiefs next week for an inquisitive session on the state of insecurity nationwide and to ensure rapid progress in the security and economy of the Country.
This followed a collective motion by the 109 Senators, presented by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) on Tuesday during plenary as the Senate observed a minute of silence for those who lost their lives so far.
In his lead debate, Bamidele expressed sadness over the rising spate of killings, kidnappings, banditry, and other criminal activities in the nation.
READ ALSO: Insecurity: Senate calls for urgent need to tackle kidnapping in FCT
He stressed that the recent killings in Agata local government area of Benue State have led to the loss of lives, including security personnel and wanting destruction of properties as well as the brutal killings of eleven residents of Logo local government area of Benue State.
He said, “The Senate is aware of several cases of kidnappings all over the country where huge ransom had been paid and several of the victims still got killed.
“We are also aware that the recent killings of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State and the abduction of primary school pupils in Ekiti had further aggravated the level of insecurity in the country.
“There was an unfortunate bomb explosion at Bodija in Ibadan, Oyo State where no less than five lives were lost and several residential houses, schools, hotels, and religious centres were destroyed.
“There were also killings of several residents of Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi communities in Plateau State.”
In response to this issue raised on the floor, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio (APC. Akwa-Ibom North-West) assured that the Senate will ensure to collaborate with the Executive to curb the insecurity issues in the country.
He said, “After the interactive session with the security chiefs, we agreed that next week, we would also fix a time to discuss the outcome with Mr President.
“We have a responsibility to collaborate with the executive and contribute our ideas to ensure that our constituents and ourselves, including our children, can sleep with their two eyes closed.
“Security is everybody’s business, and without security, we can not have progress.
“We are very determined to make laws and pass resolutions aimed at ensuring rapid progress of the country and the immediate improvement of the Nigerian economy.
“This will not be possible without a secured nation. We will take this up with Mr. President after interaction with security chiefs.”
Shortly after adopting the motion, the Senate adjourned till 6th January 2024 for them to commence campaign for the upcoming bye-elections.
OrderPaper had rightly predicted that the state of insecurity, among other issues, would be an issue to be raised at the resumption of the National Assembly. You can find our Legislative Intelligence Forecast Entry (LIFE) here.
STAR Check: Nigerians, particularly, constituents from Ekiti, can keep tabs on the legislative performance of Senator Bamidele throughout the 10th assembly here.
