With the alarming rate of kidnappings occurring on
the Lokoja-Abuja highway, the House of Representatives has called on the federal
government to set up a well-equipped and properly motivated Joint Security Task
Force to address the crimes on the highway.
The House, after adopting a motion, titled 'Need to
address the incessant kidnappings in Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State',
moved by Hon. Isah Ibrahim, urged the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to
clear the bushes on the highway to prevent criminals springing out from there to
attack motorists.
It also urged the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency
(FERMA) to urgently commence the repair of bad spots on the road especially
between Abaji and Gegu.
Presenting his motion, Ibrahim noted that ensuring
security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of the government.
He said the House is aware that as a result of the alarming
rate of kidnappings, killings and armed robberies in that area, more than 45
people were gruesomely murdered in over 84 cases reported between March 17 and
December 5, 2019.
He lamented that there are spots on the highway
that are terribly bad and have become dens for kidnappers to flourish because
motorists must slow down in such spots, thereby making themselves easy targets.
The lawmaker worried that if repairs are not
carried out immediately to allow free flow of vehicular traffic, the dastardly
acts would continue, a situation which could result in famine in the affected
communities which are largely agrarian.
According to him, "Kogi LGA is situated on the
ever busy Lokoja-Abuja highway which is very strategic by virtue of the status
of Abuja as the Nigerian capital city. As about 25 people were reportedly
kidnapped between Ahoko and Adabo on the highway, and in January 2020 alone,
more than 96 people were kidnapped and 12 people out of the number lost their
lives, including a teenager."
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