Nigerian Senators are seeking for urgent Police and Military intervention to halt recent killings by militia herders in Kogi State.
Senator Atai Aidoko representing Kogi East raised a point of order that the killers are still heading to communities in and around the state for more attacks.
The lawmakers condemned the attacks and observed a minute’s silence in honour of the dead.
Meanwhile, the Senate had on Wednesday drafted two of its committees to investigate the establishment of the Vigilante Service Group by Kogi state government.
The attention of the Senate was drawn to the development by Dino Melaye (Kogi-APC) on Wednesday.
Melaye, while presenting a motion, said the establishment of the state police in Kogi contravened provision of the constitution.
“Mr. President, I bring to the senate a law passed by the Kogi state government and signed into law by the governor of Kogi state that talks about the establishment of the Vigilante Service Group. Mr. President, I have that law here, it’s already a law of the Kogi state government. By the time I perused this law, this law is in conflict with the provisions of the constitution. This law alters the functions of the Nigeria Police as stipulated in section 214 of the constitution.
“Mr. President, it is a fact that state can make laws through the Houses of Assembly as enshrined in section 4 of the constitution but the law they will make must not be in conflict with the provisions of the constitution. Mr. President, I seek your indulgence to read a section of the law passed by Kogi state government. It says that Vigilante Group will be involved in detection and prevention of crime, the apprehension of criminals, the preservation of law and order, the protection of lives and property. Will assist other security and para-military agencies in the discharge of their duties to assist other security agencies in government installations, to assist other security agencies in maintaining law and order in any economic, political and social gathering. There shall be a controller of Vigilante services. There is also a Deputy Controller-General.
“Mr. President, the most affront on the constitution is in section 15 of that law which says the vigilante Service Group shall carry dane guns, other guns and other light weapons that are commiserate with their duties and responsibilities,” Melaye said.
Related posts:
Gowon seeks urgent action to end Boko Haram, herdsmen killings
Forex scarcity : Expert calls for urgent intervention
Reps call for Buratai’s urgent intervention in Benue house burning
Delta: Victims of gully erosion lament, appeal for govts’ urgent intervention
Poultry farmers call for FG’s urgent intervention to save sector from collapse
Oyo NLC Joins Nationwide Protest, Urges Urgent Intervention
Political killings: Pressure group seeks Buhari’s intervention
Plateau killings: Army arrests seven more suspected Fulani militia
