Connect with us

News

Insecurity: Reps Minority Caucus Worried Over Spate Of kidnappings On Highway

Published

on

…urge President Tinubu to wake up to responsibility of protecting lives 
 
… says abducted medical students in Benue must not be left with criminals
 
By Gloria Ikibah 
 
The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed worries over the increasing spate of insecurity in the country, urging President Bola Tinubu to “wake up” to his responsibilities of protecting lives and families, and declare a state of emergency in the security sector.
 
 
Minority Leader of the House and Leader of the Caucus, Rep. Kingsley Chinda in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the “frequent” abductions of travellers on the highways have become worrisome.
 
Rep. Chinda highlighted series of recent kidnapping of commuters, and said the 29 medical students taken away by gunmen in Benue while travelling for a conference threatens the future of education and healthcare in the country.
 
The caucus also condemned the kidnap of Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa district in Sokoto, Isa Muhammad Bawa and his son, and  described it as an affront to traditional institutions.
 
The caucus further stated that the killing of Tanimu Kunbiya, the Gara of Chanchanji, and his son Yusuf, in Taraba state, shows a total breakdown of security in the nation.
 
The statement reads: “These young men and women, dedicated to pursuing knowledge and bettering the lives of their fellow Nigerians, must not be left to suffer in the hands of criminals.
 
“The alarming rate in which criminals have seized our nation by the jugular, casting doubts on the capacity of the nation-state to defend itself and protect citizens calls for serious concerns.
 
“No section of our country appears safe for citizens to live their lives, uplift their wellbeing, and contribute to the growth and progress of our country.
 
“In particular, our interstate highway systems, which serve not only as the backbone of our transportation system but as the commerce corridors through which commercial entities and citizens move their goods and services, providing businesses lifelines, have become deathtraps and the staging posts of kidnappers, extortionists and criminal elements of the dark underworld. 
 
“The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, gravely worried about the prevailing conditions of our interstate highways and the general state of insecurity in our country, expresses its deep concern and outright condemnation of the recent kidnappings that have further highlighted the alarming state of insecurity in our nation.
 
“Furthermore, the kidnapping of the Anambra State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr Patrick Mba, and his wife on the highway in Kogi State, who was released yesterday by his abductors, underscores the terrifying reality that no one is safe, not even those who have dedicated their lives to public service.
 
“These incidents are not isolated; they represent a broader, more concerning trend of increasing lawlessness and insecurity in our country.
 
“The frequency and audacity of these attacks suggest a complete breakdown in our security architecture, and this cannot be allowed to continue while we pretend or console ourselves with the conclusion that the situation is improving.”
 
‘SECURITY AGENCIES SHOULD ACT SWIFTLY’
 
The lawmakers therefore called on security agencies, including the police, and Department of State Services (DSS) to “change their tactics of engagement and act swiftly and decisively”.
 
“It is imperative and indeed an unconditional demand that the kidnapped citizens are rescued unharmed, and the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice. 
 
“The government must prioritize the safety of all Nigerians. We cannot allow our nation to slide into anarchy, where criminals operate with impunity, and the citizens live in constant fear. The time for rhetoric is over; now is the time for action.
 
“As leaders, we must take responsibility and work collaboratively to restore peace and security across Nigeria. The Minority Caucus urges the government to invest in intelligence gathering, improve coordination among security agencies, and implement community-based security strategies that involve local leaders and stakeholders”, the caucus added.
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Army acquires 43 drones, wings 46 Turkey-trained personnel

Published

on

The Federal Government has bolstered the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity with the acquisition of 43 Bayraktar TB2 drones, primarily for deployment in the North-West theatre of operations.

The Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, Brig. Gen. U.G. Ogeleka, disclosed this on Tuesday during the winging ceremony of 46 personnel trained in the operation and maintenance of the drones.

The initiative, codenamed Project Guardian, aims to strengthen military operations against insurgency and other security challenges in the region.

“Between May and September 2022, a team of 35 officers and 11 soldiers from the Nigerian Army’s routinely piloted aircraft system regiments underwent specialised training in Turkey on the operation and maintenance of the Bayraktar TB2 drones,” Ogeleka said. “The training crew included multi-piloted aircraft pilots, mission operators, avionics, and mechanical engineers and technicians.”

Advertisement

Out of the 46 trained personnel, 14 are multi-piloted aircraft pilots, seven are mission operators, and 23 are engineers and technicians.

Ogeleka presented 22 of the trained personnel for the winging ceremony, noting that the others are actively engaged in operational duties.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, praised the acquisition of the drones and the training of personnel as significant steps toward enhancing the army’s professionalism and combat readiness.

“The winging of these 22 officers and soldiers as pilots and certified maintenance engineers is a morale booster for others in service,” Oluyede said. “It confirms their readiness to operate and maintain the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones in our inventory.”

Advertisement

Oluyede further revealed plans to procure additional unmanned aerial systems in the coming year to strengthen military operations across all theatres in the country.

The drones will play a critical role in addressing security challenges in the North-West, a region plagued by banditry and insurgency.

Their advanced surveillance and strike capabilities are expected to significantly enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness.

This development underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve national security and highlights the Nigerian Army’s drive to modernize its arsenal and build capacity within its ranks.

Advertisement

With more unmanned aerial systems set for acquisition, the military’s ability to conduct precise, real-time surveillance and combat operations is poised for substantial improvement.

Continue Reading

News

Ondo Assembly mulls 10-year jail term for land grabbers

Published

on

The Ondo State House of Assembly is considering a bill that proposes harsh penalties for land grabbers, including up to 10 years imprisonment for forceful entry or illegal takeover of properties.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has further reinforced the fight against land grabbing by signing an Executive Order to prohibit such activities.

The order aims to end forceful entry, illegal occupation of landed properties, and fraudulent or violent conduct related to land in the state.

To strengthen enforcement, the governor has established a Task Force to protect property rights, uphold the rule of law, and ensure a secure environment for property owners and residents.

Advertisement

The proposed bill also includes severe penalties of up to 21 years imprisonment for selling family land without the consent of the family head or secretary.

Hon Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, the lawmaker representing Ondo West Constituency 1, who sponsored the bill, spoke during a public hearing on the bill

Hon Ogunwumiju assured stakeholders that the bill would improve land administration, protect landowners, attract investors, and foster peace and development in the state.

He explained that the bill sought to regulate land dealings, protect landowners and buyers, penalise encroachers, and criminalise unregistered agents.

Advertisement

Ogunwumiju said the bill proposed penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment for forceful entry or takeover of properties and up to 21 years for selling family land without the consent of the family head or secretary.

Speaker of the Assembly, Hon Olamide Oladiji, urged committee members and stakeholders to ensure the bill served the interests of the people.

He said the bill would maintain order in the state and impose necessary sanctions on offenders.

“Land grabbers pose a significant threat to property acquisition. Their activities ranging from trespassing, forceful occupation, and illegal sales of properties to multiple buyers must be confronted decisively.”

Advertisement

Majority Leader and Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi,  said the bill, would benefit the society at large

Ondo Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Kayode Ajulo said the bill would enhance land administration and complement the executive order signed by Governor Aiyedatiwa.

Stakeholders including traditional rulers  called for full implementation of the bill when signed into law.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

FG earmarks N250bn for Lagos-Abuja rail project in 2025 budget

Published

on

The federal government has made an allocation of N250 billion in the 2025 budget for the Lagos–Abuja mass transit rail project.

This budgetary investment is part of a broader plan to revitalize Nigeria’s infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.

The government’s focus on infrastructure development is rooted in the belief that it is a cornerstone of long-term economic planning.

By investing in critical infrastructure such as roads, railways, energy, healthcare, and education, the administration aims to create a conducive environment for both domestic and foreign investment.

Advertisement

The Lagos-Abuja rail project, in particular, is expected to have a transformative impact on the Nigerian economy.

By improving transportation connectivity between two major economic hubs, the project will facilitate the movement of goods and people, reduce logistics costs, and stimulate economic activity.

Additionally, the project is expected to create numerous jobs, both directly and indirectly, contributing to the country’s overall employment rate.

The government’s infrastructure investments are also aimed at addressing regional disparities.

Advertisement

By connecting different parts of the country through improved transportation networks, the administration hopes to stimulate economic growth in underserved regions, reduce poverty, and promote equitable development.

The 2025 budget signals the government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape.

By investing in critical projects like the Lagos-Abuja rail line, the administration aims to lay the foundation for a more prosperous and connected Nigeria.

However, the success of these initiatives will depend on effective planning, efficient implementation, and transparent governance.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News