The senate today urged the Federal Government to direct the Nigerian Air Force to use air surveillance to identify the location of the armed bandits within the sparse forest and flush them out.

 

Reacting to a motion moved by Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura from Zamfara state over the recent killing of more than a dozen people in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State, the red chamber resolved to continue to enact laws that will guarantee the protection of lives and properties of Nigerians.

 

Senator Adamu Aliero in his submission said Nigeria has the capacity to have air surveillance and according to him, he will recommend that Nigerian Air Force should mount air surveillance and also have joint board patrol.

 

“I sympathize with Zamfara State because they have suffered greatly. We shouldn’t spare efforts in dealing with this matter. We should also increase our security presence in these regions,’ said Senator Bernabas Gemade in his own reaction.

 

“We are faced with security problem and this is reoccurring over again, in the case of Zamfara, armed bandits problem emanated over four years and nothing concrete has been done. The issue of security is with the security agencies,’ according to Senator Ali Ndume.

 

Senate leader Ahmed Lawan said; “Let me start by commiserating with the people of Zamfara. It looks as if loss of lives is becoming part of us on daily basis. We need to be optimistic and ask what the minister of defence has done after the inspection and the IGP as well.”

 

”It’s the most crucial thing we can do for Nigeria, we need to harmonize with the executives to implement the resolutions moved by the Senate,” he said.

 

Senator Victor Umeh in his reaction said he believes that an officer with the portfolio of protecting lives should be held responsible and note that if any personnel is not competent they should resign.

 

The senate however in its resolution urged the Federal Government to direct the Nigerian Air Force to use air surveillance to identify the location of the armed bandits within the sparse forest and flush them out; urge the Federal Government to mount diplomatic pressure on Niger Republic and Chad to forestall criminals from using their territories to launch attack on Nigeria and also urge the Zamfara State Government to upgrade, recruit and generously fund state and local vigilance teams with the aim of improving security in the affected areas.

 

It also mandated the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA to immediately send relief materials to the affected area in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State.

 

DSP Ike Ekweremadu in his submission said; “Right to life is the first right of every citizen and this must not be joked with by any nation. Government at state and federal level should ensure that every life is protected, going forward, government should hold on to their responsibilities.”

 

Photo Credit: Daily Post