The House of Representatives on Wednesday tasked Federal Government on the urgent need to address the incessant barbaric killing of innocent Nigerians in Plateau State.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion of Urgent Public Importance, sponsored by the Chairman, House Committee on Navy, Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi.
The lawmakers, who resumed plenary after two month annual recess, also commended Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State for taking active steps that prevented the escalation of the reprisal attacks that was imminent following the killings, and the input of the security operatives to restore peace in the crisis area.
In response to the development, the House mandated the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to lead a high-powered delegation to pay a condolence visit to the Government of Plateau State and commiserate with Governor Lalong on the lives and properties lost.
In his lead debate, Hon Gagdi observed that “within the duration of our recess, a lot of ugly events bothering on the state of security of our people occurred, which I deemed pertinent to call the attention of this hallowed Chamber to take necessary proactive measures towards curbing the hydra-headed monster.
“The House further notes that, it is no longer news, the series of attacks and reprisals that engulfed some parts of Plateau State in the recent past.
“Raging from the unprovoked attacks on Bassa communities where scores of lives were killed with farmlands and properties worth hundreds of millions destroyed, to the killing of peaceful commuters on Rukuba Road in Jos North on their way to Ondo State from Bauchi and the pocket of silent killings of University of Jos students along with University community as well as the most recent killings in Yelwan Zargam community of Jos North Local Government.
“The House is aware that these barbaric killings have caused a serious breach of peace in some parts of the Jos North and Bassa Local Government Areas but we are grateful to God, and the efforts of the Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon Simon Bako Lalong to contain the ugly trend and avoid its escalation to other part of the State.”
Hon Gagdi who underscored the importance of effective representation of all Nigerians in the National Assembly, observed that the affected “communities have no voice in this House to air their grievances, following the death of their representative, late Hon Maitala Haruna who died on 2nd April, 2021 which was announced at House Plenary on 13th April, 2021.”
To this end, the House mandated Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to, as a matter of urgency, conduct bye-elections to fill the vacant seat of Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency without further delay, with a view to give the people effective representation in the House.
“The House further note my open letter to the President on the happenings in Plateau state, with practical suggestions on how best to handle the crisis situation in the State and beyond.
“The House acknowledged and appreciate the visit of National Inter-religious Council to Plateau State that was headed by the CAN Chairman and the Sultan of Sokoto and that of the Chief of Defense Staff, where they variously interfaced with stakeholders in Plateau State,” he noted.
After observing a minute silence in honour of victims of the recent killings in Plateau State, the House mandated the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant humanitarian agencies to as matter of urgency, provide relief materials to the victims of the attacks, in order to assuage the sufferings of their survivors.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Buhari Urges MTN For Quality Service, Downward Price Review In Cost Of Data, Other Services
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday at State House Abuja urged the MTN Group to make the available top-of-the-range service to its Nigerian subscribers… Reps condemn barbaric killings in Plateau State Reps condemn barbaric killings in Plateau State Reps condemn barbaric killings in Plateau State Reps condemn barbaric killings in Plateau State.
and then