Insecurity: Senate Urges FG To Establish Permanent Military Base In Kwara

Awarenessinfohub has gathered that the Nigerian Senate has called on the federal government to establish a permanent military base in Kwara South to tackle the rising insecurity in the region. 

The resolution was passed after a motion sponsored by Senator Ashiru Oyelola, representing Kwara South, highlighting the alarming levels of bandit attacks, kidnappings, and killings in the area.

According to Senator Oyelola, the Ifelodun Local Government Area has been particularly affected, with many residents forced to flee their homes due to the attacks. 

In just one incident, no fewer than 12 forest guards and local vigilantes were killed in an ambush by armed bandits in Oke-Ode.

The senator noted that at least 142 persons have been kidnapped and over 70 killed in the last year across Kwara South, while 25 communities have been deserted due to recurring attacks.

The Senate expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation, noting that the responses by the federal government and security agencies have been "episodic, inadequate, and reactive, leaving vast ungoverned spaces under the control of criminal gangs." The senators urged the Federal Government to undertake the following:

-Deploy additional troops and special units to clear the forests and restore normalcy in affected communities.

-Direct the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide humanitarian relief to displaced persons and compensate families of forest guards and vigilantes killed in the line of duty.

-Conduct an on-the-spot assessment of affected areas and report back within two weeks.

Other senators who contributed to the debate emphasized the need for a collective approach to tackle the security challenge. 

Senator Adams Oshiomhole noted that the security crisis in one region should concern the entire nation, while Senator Ekong Samson called for strengthening grassroots structures to defeat the criminals. 

Senator Garba Madoki urged the Senate to demand weekly progress reports from the armed forces, saying "Ordinary Nigerians need to see action. This problem is solvable" .

The Senate's resolution highlights the need for urgent action to address the insecurity in Kwara South and restore peace to the region. 

By establishing a permanent military base and providing humanitarian relief to affected communities, the federal government can take a crucial step towards addressing the root causes of the crisis and ensuring the safety of lives and property.

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