NASS to engage security agencies on Kaduna killings

Ahmad Lawan

Disturbed by the incessant killings of the people of Kaduna South Senatorial District by suspected armed bandits, the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, has assured that the National Assembly would soon engage security agencies in the country with a view to averting the situation.

Lawan, who gave the assurance following a point of order raised by Senator Danjuma La’ah (PDP Kaduna South) during Tuesday’s plenary, stressed the need for the security agencies to review their operations for effective performances.

He particularly urged them to improve on their operations in the hot-spot areas prone to attacks in Kaduna South so as to forestall further killings of the people.

“I will suggest that we talk to the security agencies to upscale their activities around those hot spots in Kaduna, and this is something that we owe the Nigerian people,” the Senate President said.

Earlier, Senator La’ah while coming under order 43 of the Senate Standing Rules lamented the incessant killing of his people in Kaduna South by suspected armed bandits.

He said: “I wish to bring a request before this Senate, that there are incessant killings in Kaduna South, which I’m seeking the help of the Senate to send military men and police to help us overcome the situation in southern Kaduna.

“It has become a very serious matter that many people are being killed. The situation is very embarrassing and I’m pleading with the National Assembly to request the Federal Government to send the Police and armed men to protect the lives of my people and their property.

“It is unbecoming, as this situation has been on for many years and it has got to this point even though I’ve been complaining.

“The situation as at the other time was calmed down, but it has started again, and I pray the National Assembly will help to provide military men to help the situation.”

Meanwhile, the Senate President has referred President Muhammadu Buhari’s request for the confirmation of Mr. John U. Usanga representing Akwa Ibom State and Air Commodore Peter Ndabake Gana (rtd.) from Niger State as non-career ambassadors to the Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening.

Also referred was the nomination of Prof. Umar Danbatta for re-appointment as Executive Vice Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC to the Senate Committee on Communications.

Similarly, the confirmation request of Barrister Ben Umeano from Anambra representing South East; Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma from Edo for South South and Olayinka Babatunde Balogun from Ogun for South West as members of the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, was also, referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

The senate president directed all the committees to turn in their reports of screening in two weeks.