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A motion of public importance on the need to address the spate of insecurity in Kwara State has been moved by the State House of Assembly.
The motion was moved by member representing Ilorin Central, Alhaji Oba Abdulkadir during the house plenary session.
Leading the debate, Alhaji Magaji Oba Abdulkadir relied on order seven, rule forty of the House expressed concern over the spate of insecurity in Kwara State stating that the State was traditionally recognized as the State of Harmony, has long been an epitome of peace, unity and coexistence among its diverse ethnic, cultural and religious groups.
He asserted that the peace and stability of Kwara is not only vital to the well-being of its residents but also indispensable to their economic prosperity.
The Lawmaker however expressed sadness that terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements are now freely tormenting fellow Kwarans, particularly in the Baruten and Kaima axis, and recently, in Oke -Ero Local Government Areas leading to loss of lives, displacement of residents, destruction of farm lands and general disruption of socio-economic activities, creating an atmosphere of panic and instability.
Alhaji Oba AbdulKadir expressed awareness of the alarming rate that cases of kidnapping for ransom had assumed citing the recent kidnap of Director personnel Management and the Director of the Legal Department of Oke-Ero, Local Government Area.
He expressed concern that if these security threats were not addressed with the required urgency that they deserve, there may escalate and have spiral effect of the ugly scenario, which may lead to the overall destabilization of the age long peace that has been known with the State.
The other Legislatures who spoke on the matter called for proactive and deliberate measures more than ever to restore confidence, safeguard communities, and reclaim lands from the grip of terror and uncertainty.
The Members acknowledged the effort of the Governor, Mallam Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq that he had demonstrated remarkable leadership and dedication through numerous collaborations with stakeholders in the security sector by implementing strategic initiatives, most especially the governor’s physical visit to one of the trouble spots and the presentation of 150 motorcycles, aimed at fostering a safer environment for businesses to thrive, communities to flourish, and citizens to live in peace.
The House stated that the matter has become imperative because the primary responsibility of the government is to protect the lives and property of the citizens and maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, the House in a resolution read by the Speaker, Engineer Yakubu Danladi Salihu urged the Governor to direct the Kwara State Security Council to immediately review and strengthen the security architecture across the State, with special focus on the peculiar challenges of each Senatorial District.
The Lawmakers also called on the Governor to call on the heads of security agencies to increase the deployment of security personnel and logistics to affected and vulnerable areas.
They want the Governor to direct the office of the secretary to the State Government to establish a Victim Support Fund to assist families displaced or affected by terrorism and to aid the rebuilding of affected communities.
The Speaker also enjoined the Governor to direct the Ministry of Communication in collaboration with various traditional institutions in the State to embark on security awareness campaigns and the needs for prompt reporting of suspious activities.
By Ameen Ayinla
