***Asks FG to beam searchlight on confluence State
The Senator representing Kogi Central at the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP Kogi Central) has called on relevant security agencies to improve security in the state to ensure peace and security of lives and property.
She spoke against the backdrop of burning to death of of a 75 year old woman and incessant attacks and security breaches in parts of the state.
She urged the federal government to beam its searchlight on the Confluence state to fish out those behind such evil acts in the state.
Senator Natasha in a statement issued on Friday through her Chief Press Secretary, Arogbonlo Israel, indicated that the call became expedient following recent attack in Idah, Kogi East, where a 75-year-old woman, Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa-Sani, alongside her granddaughter were set ablaze by unknown assailants, leading to the death of the septuagenarian.
“Last week, twenty-one travellers were kidnapped along the Ajaokuta-Itobe road all thanks to security operatives who reportedly rescued all the victims.
“Also, a popular Juju artiste, Omoba De Jumbo Beats, and his band members, last month, were kidnapped in Kogi and later released after family members and well-wishers rallied round to pay for their ransom.
“In November 2023, a member of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Imaobong Samuel, alongside 11 passengers was also kidnapped on her way to Kogi Orientation camp with others on board the Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus.”
The Senator therefore, urged the government to ensure the security of all citizens at all times while calling for the deployment of technology to improve the level of security in the State and the country at large.
She expressed the believe that the issue at stake requires collaborative effort to surmount, adding that there would not be development without peace and security.
She further identified poverty and poor governance as major contributors to the spate of insecurity in the State, urging governments across all levels to address this dysfunctional leadership.