The Senate has again summoned heads of security agencies over the rising spate of insecurity in different parts of the country.
The security chiefs are to appear before the Senate next week for an interactive session with the lawmakers on how to address the menace.
Recall that the National Assembly has remain consistent in legislating on the delicate subject of insecurity in the last 16 years, but without commensurate return on investment.
Within the period, the National Assembly has succeeded in passing over 261 resolutions, prepared and passed, at least 25 legislative bills and appropriated over N12 trillion targeted at halting the spread of insurgency.
But the country has also continued to remain in the throes of insecurity, as kidnapping, armed banditry and other forms of criminality reign supreme.
Already, 71,449 lives have been claimed nationwide.
The resolution followed a motion titled “Spate of insecurity in Nigeria” sponsored by all the 109 senators during Tuesday’s plenary.
This came as the country witnessed a spike in killings and kidnappings in Plateau, Abuja, Benue, Ekiti and other states in recent time.
The Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, who presented the motion, said: “The Senate notes with sadness the rising spate of killings, kidnappings, banditry, and other criminal activities in the nation.
“Senate further notes the recent killings in Agatu local government area of Benue State, which led to lost of lives, including security personnel and wanting destruction of properties as well as the brutal killings of eleven residents of Logo local government area of Benue State.
“Senate equally notes the various kidnappings in the Federal Capital Territory where victims have been killed after collecting ransom.
“Senate is also aware of several cases of kidnappings all over the country where huge ransom had been paid and several of the victims still got killed.
“Senate is also aware that the recent killings of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State and the abduction of primary school pupils in Ekiti had further aggravated the level of insecurity in the country.
“Senate notes the unfortunate bomb explosion at Bodija in Ibadan Oyo State where no less than five lives were lost and several residential houses, schools, hotels, and religious centres were destroyed.
“The Senate equally notes the killing of several residents of Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi communities in Plateau State.”
The Red Chamber, thereafter resolved to invoke its earlier resolutions to invite the security chiefs for an interactive session with a view to resolving the insecurity that is plaguing the country.
Senate President Godswill
Akpabio said the outcome of the interactive session with the security chiefs would be discussed with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prompt implementation of their resolutions.
“After the interactive session with the security chiefs, which we agreed that it should be next week, we would also fix a time to discuss the outcome with Mr President.
“We have a responsibility to collaborate with the executive and contribute our ideas to ensure that our constituents and ourselves, including our children can sleep with their two eyes closed.
“Security is everybody’s business, and without security, we can not have progress.
“We are very determined to make laws and pass resolutions aimed at ensuring rapid progress of the country and the immediate improvement of the Nigerian economy.
“This will not be possible without a secured nation. We will take this up with Mr. President after interaction with security chiefs,” Akpabio said.