Nasarawa Assembly Raises Alarm Over Fresh Kidnappings, Urges Stronger Security Measures

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has raised concerns over a resurgence of kidnappings across the state, urging the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect residents and restore public confidence.

The Speaker of the House, Danladi Jatau, expressed the concern during Tuesday’s plenary in Lafia while responding to a matter of public interest raised by the member representing Lafia Central, Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki.

Akwashiki told lawmakers that recent abductions in his constituency had heightened fear among residents. He cited incidents in Agyaragu Lafia and Agunji Lafia, where people were reportedly kidnapped within days of each other.

According to the lawmaker, two people abducted in Agyaragu Lafia on Monday were still being held by their captors, who were demanding ransom. He called on the state government and security agencies to take urgent action to curb the growing threat.

Akwashiki warned that repeated kidnappings were disrupting residents’ daily lives and leaving many afraid to move freely within their communities. He urged authorities to prioritise the protection of lives and property.

Responding to the concerns, Jatau said the Assembly would treat the matter seriously. He called on Governor Abdullahi Sule to direct security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to strengthen surveillance and operations across the state.

The Speaker also urged traditional rulers, village heads and local vigilante groups to work with security agencies by identifying suspicious individuals and reporting potential threats in their communities. He directed the Clerk of the House to communicate the Assembly’s resolution to the governor for necessary action.

Other lawmakers, including Esson Mairiga, Onarigu Onah Kana, Ibrahim Abdullahi Sa’ad, Suleiman Yakubu Azara, Abel Yakubu Bala and Larry Ven-Bawa, supported the motion. They called for stronger security measures, improved technology and the provision of sophisticated equipment to help security personnel tackle kidnappings and other forms of insecurity.