The Nigerian Senate has responded decisively to the recent abduction of 19 individuals in Galadimawa, FCT Abuja, by passing a comprehensive motion sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko of Delta North senatorial district.
In a resolute stance against the escalating insecurity within Nigeria, particularly the Federal Capital Territory, the Senate, during Wednesday plenary session observed the alarming surge of kidnappings across diverse sectors of society, affecting politicians, civilians, students, security agents, motorists, farmers, faith-based organizations, and aid workers. Noting that despite legislative efforts, including 2022 laws aimed at penalizing ransom payments and abductions, the efficacy of these measures remained uncertain.
The abduction tragedy in Galadimawa, which reportedly resulted in the loss of 12 lives out of the 19 abducted, sparked urgent action. Senator Nwoko while moving the motion emphasized the potential ramifications of failing to address this crisis, citing the risk of social unrest, loss of confidence in governance, economic decline, increased insecurity, and potential international implications affecting the nation’s stability and international standing.
The approved resolution includes:
▪︎Call for a joint operation involving the Army, Air Force, Police, and Department of State Services (DSS) to intensify the search efforts for the captives.
▪︎Urge the Inspector-General of Police to see to the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations within and around Abuja, highways, and other major capital cities to bolster surveillance and deter criminal activities.
▪︎Also call on the Inspector-General of Police to urgently increase security patrols and surveillance within Abuja and across the nation to proactively combat and prevent further kidnappings.
▪︎Mandate the Committees on Defense and Police to conduct a thorough investigation into this recent kidnapping and other similar incidents in and around Abuja.
▪︎Also mandate the aforementioned committees to recommend robust strategies to prevent future kidnappings within FCT.
In his support for the motion, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South highlighted that the issue extends beyond Galadimawa, pointing out that multiple areas across Abuja are facing similar security challenges. Emphasizing Abuja’s status as the Capital Territory, he stressed the necessity for robust security measures, asserting that it should set a standard for safety and serve as an exemplary model for other cities. Senator Abaribe noted the alarming reality that no one, regardless of social standing, feels secure in the current situation.
