The Nigerian Senate has asked Security agencies to conduct a special investigation into the fatal bank robbery attack in the Otukpo area of Benue State and ensure that the perpetrators of the attack are arrested and prosecuted.
The request was a sequel to a motion moved by Senator Abba Moro (Benue South) at the plenary on Tuesday and seconded by Senator Emmanuel Udende representing North East of Benue State.
Suspected thieves armed with explosives and sophisticated weapons invaded commercial banks in the Otukpo area of Benue State last Friday and carted away an undisclosed large amount of money.
Addressing the Senate at the plenary Senator Moro said that “the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area, John Adikwu, and three other police officers including some innocent people lost their lives when the armed robbers engaged them in a gun battle.”
He also confirmed that two of the robbers were killed during the gun duel while others escaped through the forest.
Senator Moro, while presenting his motion on the need for an urgent investigation into the attack, queried security agencies for not improving their intelligence system.
Urgent investigation
He therefore called for an urgent investigation into the bank robbery.
“The situation is under control for now but I felt some Nigerians should know what happened in Otukpo because it is unprecedented. In recent times we have not had such attacks in Otukpo or other areas In Benue State. It’s disturbing and worrisome now. That’s why I sponsor the motion for the government to take immediate action” Senator Moro, said
The Benue Senator also urged his colleagues in the Senate to observe a one-minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the robbery attack.
Many of the Senators who contributed to the motion condemned the attack and urged security agencies in the country to improve their intelligence system.
Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central) who was among those who contributed to the motion, called on the Nigerian government to engage more police officers to strengthen the insecurity gaps.
“The police are seriously handicapped. They don’t have enough ammunition. It is now time for us to take a firm step that the federal government should employ more personnel to meet the gap. More personnel should be recruited. The motion is timely and apt,” Senator Aliero said.
Tuesday’s Plenary Chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jubriln asked that security agencies investigate the robbery incident and ensure that all the perpetrators are arrested.
Senator Jubrin who directed that members of the upper chamber observe a minute silence in honour of the victims of the robbery attack also asked the security agencies to improve on their intelligence system.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
