The Nigerian Senate has summoned the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; and the Inspector-General of Police to appear before lawmakers and explain the federal government’s efforts to tackle the worsening insecurity in Kwara South Senatorial District.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the Senate’s decision follows a motion sponsored by Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru, who raised urgent concerns over the rising cases of killings, kidnappings, and armed attacks in the region, especially in Ifelodun Local Government Area. Senator Ashiru revealed that in the last month alone, at least 12 forest guards and vigilantes were ambushed and killed by bandits in Oke-Ode, while several community leaders were also murdered in Ogba-Ayo, Babanla, Sagbe, Oro Ago, and Ganmu-Alheri.
Reports by Mediaplusng.com indicate that more than 142 people have been kidnapped, 70 killed, and over 25 communities abandoned in the past year due to unending violence. In response, the Senate has asked the Defence Minister, Chief of Army Staff, and IGP to brief lawmakers in plenary. It also urged the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in Kwara South, near the forest belts of Ifelodun LGA, to serve as a rapid-response center against bandit attacks.
The Senate further directed the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police to deploy additional troops and special forces to the region to flush out criminal elements and restore peace. Mediaplusng.com reports that lawmakers described the situation as a humanitarian and economic emergency that requires immediate federal attention.
