The Senate has constituted a 20-man planning committee for the proposed National Security Summit to proffer solutions to the security challenges in the country.
The lawmakers are also calling for urgent rescue operations for an abducted traditional ruler in Kogi State, and swift justice for victims of herdsmen attacks in Benue state.
The Nigerian Senate is worried about the security situation in parts of the country, most recent is the abduction of a traditional ruler in Kogi State , Oba James Ogunyade, the Obalohun of Ololoke in Yagba Local Government Area ,who was forcefully taken from his palace in the early hours of Thursday.
Following a motion by Senator Sunday Karimi, the Senate urged the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to deploy urgent measures to secure the monarch’s release.
The lawmakers also called on local and state governments to step up their responsibilities in protecting lives and property under their jurisdictions.
In a related motion, the Senate condemned the recent attacks on Akpete and Ojantele communities in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State. The attacks, allegedly carried out by armed herdsmen, have left several residents dead and many displaced.
The Senate urged the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to launch a comprehensive investigation, arrest the perpetrators, and mount surveillance in the affected areas.
A call was also made for a total review of the nation’s security operations to enhance proactiveness.
Meanwhile, in a bid to confront the rising wave of insecurity head-on, the Senate has constituted a 20-man Planning Committee for its National Security Summit, with Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele named as Chairman.
Other members include Senators Yahaya Abdullahi, Ireti Kingibe, Gbenga Daniel , Barinada Mpigi, Babangida Hussaini, Jimoh Ibrahim, Adams Oshiomhole, Shuaibu Afolabi, Isah Jibrin, and others. The Clerk of the Senate will serve as Clerk of the Committee.
The committee was given two weeks to finalise arrangements for the summit, which is expected to shape a renewed national security architecture.
As insecurity continues to pose grave threats across the country, the upper legislative chamber says it is time to move from rhetorics to results.
