The house of representatives has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently strengthen security in parts of Gombe State after deadly bandit attacks in several communities.
The resolution came after the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Bello Kumo, chief whip of the House, during Wednesday’s plenary.
The motion highlighted recent attacks on Garin Galadima, Pindiga, Garin Jaji and Laro communities in Akko LGA, where six persons were killed and 20 others abducted and remain in captivity.
Kumo, who represents Akko Federal Constituency, said the attacks had caused severe distress to the affected communities.
“These attacks have caused widespread destruction of properties, displacement of citizens, loss of livelihoods, fear, and uncertainty within the communities,” he said.
“The House is disturbed that these incidents are a stark reminder of the overwhelming threat to national security, and a call to all security agencies to double their efforts in ensuring that they provide adequate protection to the citizens and their properties.”
The House warned that the security situation could worsen “if no stringent security measures are taken to safeguard the lives of the people in adherence with Chapter Two of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
It therefore urged Tinubu to “direct the Chief of Defence Staff to initiate a coordinated Joint Security Operation and provide aerial surveillance and ground support to flush out the bandits and destroy their camps to avoid recurrence.”
The lawmakers also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to immediately supply relief materials to victims in the affected communities.
The House further mandated the Inspector-General of Police to deploy Mobile Police Force squadrons to Akko LGAto maintain law and order and prevent further killings.
The committees on emergency and disaster preparedness, defence, army, air force, police and legislative compliance were also asked to ensure the resolutions are implemented and to submit weekly reports until the security situation is under control.