Kidnappings: Employ More Neighbourhood Watch Officers, Lagos Assembly Tells Sanwo-Olu

With incidents of kidnapping spreading across some states of the federation, the Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to increase the personnel of Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) to effectively assist other security agencies.

The House also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his favourable disposition to the issue of state police, just as it praised the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for raising a voice and advocating for capital punishments as a deterrent.

The issue which was discussed under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’ followed the recent kidnapping of about 280 children in Kaduna, about 102 kidnapped in Borno and 15 kidnapped in Sokoto recently.

Noting that the case of the Chibok girls was yet to abate, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said it was very important for every Nigerian to rise up and speak against kidnapping, just as he sympathised with affected states and families of victims.

Dr. Obasa said it was painful that while parents struggle to send their children to school to seek knowledge, “evil people in the name of kidnappers are hell-bent on destroying the future of the children.

“It is very important for all of us to rise up and find a lasting solution. Security is very essential in every given society and if we fail to protect lives, then what do we have as responsibility?

“We must commend our First Lady for being bold and coming out and even talking about capital punishment.”

The Speaker commended the military for its effort, but said more co be done even if it meant relocating to areas where these attacks were frequent.

He recalled the situation that necessitated the enactment of the anti-kidnapping law of Lagos State some years ago, urging the National Assembly to review existing laws relating to kidnapping and expedite action on state police.

The Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, said it is necessary at this time to call on governors and speakers of states to act regarding related legislation.

In their contributions, Hon. Tobun Abiodun and Nureni Akinsanya commended the Speaker for raising the issue while noting that Lagos is gradually experiencing cases of kidnappings.

Their colleague, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, suggested the establishment of special courts to try alleged kidnappers and speed up trial while Hon. Abiodun Orekoya urged the military to employ technology in their surveillance.

Meanwhile, Speaker Obasa had congratulated Muslims in Nigeria as the Ramadan commences.

Obasa urged those who had to share with those in need.

He urged Muslims to pray for peace in the country while encouraging Nigerians to show love to one another, irrespective of religious beliefs.

Eromosele Ebhomele

Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.