The House of Representatives has constituted an eight-man committee to investigate the rising killings in Plateau State, linked to banditry, particularly in Wase Local Government Area and adjoining communities.
The House also expressed worry over the allegation that the police in the area are setting suspected bandits free after being arrested and linked to some attacks.
These were some of the outcomes of a motion adopted on the need to halt the incessant killings, kidnappings, and banditry activities in Wase, Plateau State.
The motion moved by Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase cited specific cases where he alleged that the police released suspected bandits, including the bandits who recently kidnapped the wife of the District Head of Wase.
While appreciating the efforts of the security agents in dealing with security challenges facing the nation; the Deputy Speaker urged them to step up such efforts “Because if left unchecked; the attacks could spiral out of control to other regions.”
Ahmed Wase also called on the Ministry of Defense to coordinate a response mechanism against bandits in the region as well as called on the Chief of the Air Staff to provide aerial surveillance to patrol the area.
Supporting the motion, Mr Toby Okechukwu reminded members of the solutions provided by the House after its security submit and expressed why there has been no implementation of the far-reaching solutions proffered by the House.
Mr Okechukwu called for the apprehension and prosecution of security operatives found culpable in compromising the prosecution of bandits.
He also called for the amendment of the constitution to restructure the security apparatus of the country to give States more power and control of the security architecture within their territories for them to be more effective.
Nnenna.O
