House of Representatives has urged the Chief of Defence Staff to establish a security operations base in Garga, Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State, to ensure rapid military response to banditry and kidnapping.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Yusuf Gagdi, representing Plateau State, during Tuesday’s plenary.
Leading the debate, Gagdi said the motion became necessary due to recurring attacks across Plateau, particularly in Kanam, where cases of banditry and kidnapping remain a major concern.
He expressed concern that the attacks have led to the destruction and burning of local markets, rustling of hundreds of cattle, and the displacement of several rural communities currently living in fear and uncertainty.
The lawmaker further described as unfortunate how many farmers in the area can no longer access their farmlands for fear of being kidnapped or killed, resulting in food insecurity, loss of livelihoods and worsening poverty across the affected part of the constituency.
Mover of the motion maintained that recently the Village Head of Shuwaka, Mallam Hudu Musa, and that of Birbyeng, Mallam Zubairu Usman, were kidnapped, later the shukawa village head was killed while that of Birbyeng village remained in the hands of his abductors for over a month.
All the lawmakers contributed on the motion described it as timely and important co considering the negative impact banditry and kidnapping have been making on the nation’s political and economic prosperity.
COV/TSIBIRI
