The House of Representatives has called on the Nigeria Army, Police and other security agencies agencies to adopt modern security tactics to bring to a half the daily kidnappings and killings in Oju/Obi Federal Constituency.
The Green Chamber also urged the security agencies to assign a patrol team that would constantly patrol Oju-Otukpo road in order to end persistent killings and kidnappings.
The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance need to end persistent kidnappings and killings in Oju/Obi federal constituency at the plenary on Wednesday by Hon. David Ogewu.
Moving the motion, the lawmaker said security of lives and property is the primary responsibility of government and security is necessary for human existence and development.
Ogewu noted that though insecurity in the present day in Nigeria was not peculiar to Oju/Obi Federal Constituency.
However, he noted that Opirikwu, Ijegwu, Itakpa and Ughodom communities of Obi LGA of Benue State which are border communities to Otukpo LGA are most affected by the kidnappings activities and killings.
The lawmaker noted that the kidnapping and killings of his constituents and road users which took place on the 18the September, 2023, 28th and 29th October, 2023 in the stated communities, adding that if nothing is done to stop its continuity, it would hamper the socio-economic and educational development in the communities.
Ogewu expressed worry that if this was allowed to continue, there would be food shortages and people might result to self-help which would lead to a total breakdown of law and order.
The lawmaker acknowledged that the Green Chamber had on the 6th July 2023 approved establishment of a military base in Oju local government Area considering its border with cross River and Ebonyi state.
Ogewu noted that while the process for the establishment was in the pipeline, there was need for consistent patrol of army and other security agencies such as Nigeria police force to ensure synergy to have an effective and efficient communication system around the areas.
The House, therefore, mandated, “Nigeria Army, Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to assign a patrol team that will constantly patrol Oju-Otukpo road and urge the agencies to adopt modern security tactics to bring to a half the daily kidnappings and killings in Oju/Obi Federal Constituency.”
