Herdsmen attacks: Senate summons Service Chiefs
Herdsmen attacks: Senate summons Service Chiefs
Following persistent killings by herdsmen in communities across Nigeria, the Senate on Thursday summoned the country’s Security Chiefs to inform the parliament on efforts put in place to solve the problem.
The Senate also set up a six-man ad-hoc committee under the Chairmanship of the Senate Leader, Ali Ndume (APC Borno South), to carry out thorough investigation of recent attacks of the herdsmen and possible way out of the menace.
The Senate decisions were sequel to a motion sponsored by Senator Chukwuka Utazi, who informed the Senate that no fewer than 38 people were murdered and 100 were injured by suspected herdsmen who invaded Nimbo community of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Utazi stated that such happenings will no longer be acceptable again calling on security agencies in the country should to improve their intelligence gathering capabilities for them to be pro-active rather than reactive to the incessant threats to internal security in the country.
He implored security agencies to enforce the laws on arms bearing by unauthorized persons in the country.
He also called on the Nigerian Police to expedite action on the establishment of a Rapid Response Police Unit around the communities where these attacks take place.
Other senators who spoke condemned in strong terms the Fulani herdsmen menace with some of them like the Olusola Adeyeye, who demanded for the establishment of State Police for more security surveillance at the grassroots.
But the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike EKweremadu, who presided over the session, said the ad-hoc community set would surely come up with needed solution to the problem.
Ekweremadu said: “We have said so much regarding this very matter.
“We have to do this because to the ordinary people of Nigeria.
“What they know is that we are all in government.
“There is no difference between the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary.
“So, we are all held responsible in issues such as these.
“I believe it is important that while the Executive is also making efforts, as parliamentarians, we must be seen to be doing something because the people see all of us as being part of government.
“We must show some sensibility in matters concerning our people.
“There are too many men and women in Nigeria today who are frustrated by economic realities and they will make themselves available for any possible mishap that this will give rise to.
“I believe that the earlier we nip this on the bud, the better for all of us.
“We want a very peaceful country and we will need to work towards that.
“And, as leaders, we must be held responsible if there is breakdown of law and order because the primary purpose of government is the protection of lives and properties of the ordinary people.
“We must be able to come up with immediate approach to this problem, mid-term and long-term solutions so that people will see that we are interested in their welfare.”
Members of the Ad-hoc committee are Senators Isiaka Adeleke (APC Osun West) to represent the South West, Mao Ohunbunwa (PDP Abia North) for the South East and Abdullahi Adamu (APC Nasarawa West) for the North Central.
Others are Senator Shehu Sani (APC Kaduna Central) for the North West and Ben Bruce (PDP Bayelsa East) for the South South.
