The Nigerian House of Representatives has urged the Chief of Defence Staff to initiate a joint security operation in communities bordering Taraba and Plateau States to flush out bandits terrorisaing the areas.
It also urged the Chief of Army Staff to establish military bases in the affected areas as part of measures to contain the activities of armed bandits and secure the areas.
These were contained in a motion adopted at the plenary on the urgent need for military intervention to flush out bandits in the areas.
Presenting the motion, Abdussalam Mubarak from Taraba State, expressed concern over the increase of armed banditry with several reported cases of killings, rape and kidnappings.
The lawmaker said that “armed banditry has seriously increased with several reported cases of killings, rape and kidnappings on daily basis.
“The problem has totally paralysed economic and agricultural activities in the area which may lead to hunger and poverty if not addressed.”
Mubarak said the problem, if not addressed urgently, would worsen the already volatile security situation in Taraba and Plateau States, as it has already crippled economic and agricultural activities in the affected communities.
The House urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and the North/East Development Commission to assess the extent of damage and provide relief materials to victims.
VON