By Atoyebi Nike
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has expressed concern over increasing cases of kidnapping across the state, warning that the situation is becoming alarming.
Speaker of the House, Dr. Danladi Jatau, issued the warning on Wednesday in Lafia after a motion of public importance was raised by Solomon Akwashiki, representing Lafia Central Constituency.
Jatau urged the state government and security agencies to enforce the anti-kidnapping law passed by the Assembly, strengthen security across communities, and encourage residents to report suspicious activities. “We must not allow Nasarawa to become a kidnapping den,” the Speaker said.
Lawmakers, including Daniel Ogazi (APC-Kokona East), Suleiman Azara, Esson Mairiga (PDP-Lafia North), and Mohammed Omadefu (APC-Keana), echoed the call, urging security agencies to change strategies. Ogazi noted that the anti-kidnapping law provided for severe penalties but lamented that enforcement had weakened.
Akwashiki, who raised the issue, said the state capital, Lafia, was no longer safe. “If Lafia is not safe, where else will be safe? Kidnappers are on the rampage, causing harm unhindered,” he warned.