Nasarawa Govt, Legislature, fume over rising crime

… wants rapid security response

Francis Nansak, Lafia

Both Nasarawa State Government and its legislatives arm have expressed their unhappiness with the rise in crimes, as recently recorded in the state that has led to loss of lives.

While the Nasarawa state government is bent on rejigging the security aparatus, the legislative arm has moved a motion, calling on the security and the state government to unearth the killers of Mr Philip Shekwo,the APC state chairman.

Governor Sule ,the Nasarawa state governor had on Monday summoned all the head of security’s in the state on an emergency meeting,where it resolved to strengthen security agencies working in the state, through the provision of vehicles and logistics, to enable them respond rapidly to distressed calls.

Briefing journalists shortly after the meeting, state Commissioner of Police, Bola Longe, said the security council has decided to strengthen security agencies in the state, through the provision of sufficient logistics, particularly vehicles and materials.

According to the police commissioner, such efforts will enable the security agencies carry out their constitutional duties with ease.

CP Longe explained that the emergency security meeting was convened to review issues bordering on the kidnap and murder of the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the late Chief Philip Tatari Shekwo.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, said the meeting was not unconnected with recent happenings in the state, particularly the murder of the APC chairman, another loss of live in Udege area of Nasarawa Local Government Area, as well as the death of a young man barely 24 hours after the APC chairman was killed.

Engineer Sule said his administration strongly believes it is the responsibility of government to protect the lives and property of the citizens, stressing that the meeting was convened with a view to taking steps that will ensure the protection of lives and property of the people of the state

According to the Governor, if the life of the APC chairman, who has some measure of protection, could be taken so easily, then much needed to be done in order to protect the ordinary citizens.

Engineer Sule however noted that one area that is lacking in the state, is rapid response from security agencies.

On its part ,the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has called on the state government and security agents to intensify efforts in unravelling the killers of the state All Progressives Congress ( APC) chairman , Mr Philip Shekwo.

Rt. Hon.Ibrahm Balarabe-Abdullahi, the Speaker of the House made the demand after Hon Tanko Tunga, the Majoriy Leader of the House moved a motion under the matters of public interest on the death of Shekwo during the House proceedings in Lafia.

He said that unravelling and punishing the perpetrators of the evil act would serve as deterrent to others and would ensure peace in the state.

” The resolution of this House is to the effect that members advised His Excellency, Gov. Abdullahi Sule to direct the security agents to work hard to unravel the perpetrators of this act to face justice.

” Security agents are to intensify efforts to protect lives and property of the citizens.

” Government should provide adequate support to the security agents to effectively protect lives and property, ” he said.

The speaker directed the clerk to the House to produce a clean copy of the House resolution to the governor for his further necessary action.