Reps demand sack of security chiefs over recurrent terrorism

The House of Reps has denounced the country’s escalating insecurity, particularly recent deaths in Benue, Taraba, and Plateau states.

The parliamentarians sought the expulsion of the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd.) and the Minister of Defense, Major General Bashir Magashi, during a plenary session on Wednesday, April 14.

Security agents were allegedly assisting bandits and other criminals, according to the legislators, who also claimed that massive security budgets were not justified.

They also claimed that the security officials profited from the country’s instability as a result of the large sums of money granted to the defence sector.

Gunmen assaulted Kanam and Wase towns in Plateau State on Sunday, killing at least 70 people.

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On Monday, 25 persons were slain in Benue State’s Guma and Tiortyu local government areas.

Disturbed by the killings, House Committee on Navy Chairman Yusuf Gagdi introduced a motion of urgent public importance titled “Terrorist Attacks on Kanam and Wase Communities of Plateau State,” while Messrs Bem Mzondu and John Dyegh introduced a separate motion of urgent public importance on killings in Benue State.

The first job of any government, according to Gagdi, is to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens.

He stated, “Nigerians are being killed on a daily basis. We have a President. We have governors. We have the National Assembly, we have Senators and Representatives put together. Who is responsible for the safety and security of lives and property of the people of this country? Of course, without any fear of political misrepresentation, it is Mr President.

“Is our President aware of what is happening to the people of this country? Is he holding the strategic operational commanders responsible for the failure in the protection of lives and property of the people of this country?”

Gagdi further lamented that the National Assembly had kept appropriating more funds for the security forces, while nobody was held accountable for the growing insecurity in the nation.

The session was presided over by Reps Deputy Speaker Ahmed Wase, who claimed that some military and paramilitary personnel were aiding and abetting criminals.