The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has officially declared the state unsafe for residents due to escalating security challenges, including rampant kidnappings and unprovoked killings.
Lawmakers Sound Alarm on Security Crisis
During a plenary session on Tuesday, the State Assembly categorically stated that Nasarawa is no longer safe for citizens and called for immediate government intervention. The resolution came following a matter of public interest raised by Hon. Luka Iliya Zhekaba, the Minority Leader of the House, concerning the disturbing pattern of violence across the state.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, while reading the House resolutions, acknowledged Governor Abdullahi Sule's existing efforts to address security challenges but emphasized the urgent need for more comprehensive measures. The Speaker specifically urged the governor to enhance security coverage in both rural and urban communities to protect residents.
Recent Attacks Heighten Tensions
The legislative declaration follows two separate violent incidents that occurred between Friday night and Saturday, further illustrating the security breakdown.
In Giza, located in Keana Local Government Area, armed men invaded the home of Mr. Yusuf Agbo at approximately 11:45 p.m. on Friday. The assailants fired shots before abducting both Mr. Agbo and his wife, taking them to an unknown location. As of Sunday, residents reported that no contact had been established with the victims or their captors.
A community source who requested anonymity confirmed that panic has spread throughout Giza LGA following the attack. "We have heard nothing. People are living in fear. Many are relocating," the resident revealed, adding that repeated abductions and killings have forced some residents to turn to prayer as security measures have proven ineffective.
In a separate incident on Saturday, suspected Fulani herders attacked a couple on their farm in Barkin Abdullahi (BAD), Lafia Local Government Area. According to witness Mr. James Ovey, the herders allegedly grazed cattle on the couple's farm and attacked them with machetes when they tried to intervene.
The violence left the woman with a severed left wrist while her husband sustained serious head injuries. Both victims are currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Lafia.
Southern Zone Bears Brunt of Violence
The southern senatorial zone of Nasarawa, which shares a border with terror-invested Benue State, is experiencing its most severe security crisis to date. The area has become characterized by frequent kidnappings and unprovoked killings that have forced numerous residents to flee their homes.
These recent attacks occurred despite assurances from the state government that new security measures were being implemented. The continued violence in Keana communities has raised questions about the effectiveness of current security strategies.
The police have yet to issue any public statement regarding either of the weekend incidents, leaving residents increasingly anxious about their safety and the government's ability to protect them.
