‎Insurgency: Reps set up ad hoc committee to probe deep into causes, solutions

THE House of Representatives on Wednesday resolved to set up ‎an ad hoc committee to investigate the incessant killings, destruction of property and displacement of communities by rampaging herdsmen in Benue State.

The ad hoc committee is expected to interface with relevant ministries and agencies of the Federal Government and other affected states of the federation, international development partners, donor agencies, non-governmental organisation, NGO and others on the matter and carry out a fact-finding mission to the affected communities and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

The House also urged the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff to set up a joint task force to deal decisively with the situation before the people start resorting to self-help.

The House also urged the Department of State Service to be proactive in monitoring the areas so as to prevent them from inflicting harm on the people.

The House resolutions followed two separate motions moved by Honourable Mark Gbillah and Johson Oghuma.

Honourable Gbillah on his part regretted the continuing and brazen attacks by herdsmen on communities in Benue state and other states and the continuing loss of lives, destruction of poverty and means of livelihood and increasing displacement of thousands of hapless citizens.

Oghuma on his part said that there was growing state of insecurity in Etsako Federal Constituency leading to incidences of rape, killing and kidnapping by people purported to be ‎herdsmen.

The motion was roundly supported by members when it was put to voice vote by the Speaker Yakubu Dogara.