#TrackNigeria: A federal lawmaker, Sen. Philip Gyunka, has called for establishment of a military base along Garaku-Akwanga road in Nasarawa State, to help tackle incessant attacks and increased cases of kidnapping in the area.
Gyunka (PDP-Nasarawa) made the call shortly after visiting Akwanga General Hospital, to commiserate with victims of a fresh attack in Numa-Choku, a community in Akwanga Local Government Area of the state.
Sc0res of people, including a pregnant woman were feared killed by suspected militiamen at a naming ceremony on April 14 in Numa-Chuka community, 10 kilometers from Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
The lawmaker said the increase in criminal activities in the axis had claimed lives, as well as, struck fear in residents, motorists and other law biding citizens doing their legitimate businesses in the area.
He noted that the presence of a military base would go a long way in curbing the menace and restore people’s confidence in going about their daily activities freely.
“Last week Wednesday, I raised a motion on the killing by militiamen in three villages, Marte, Nandem and Katanza.
“The criminals attacked a village where a lady was coming from an occasion. She was raped and killed and that resulted in a clash between the in the community.
“Our traditional ruler was able to bring the situation under control and the matter was resolved.
“While we were trying to get over that, there was a fresh attack in Numa-Choku, a neighbouring village to those three communities.
“The celebrant and the parents were all killed and a woman lost four of her children as well as a pregnant daughter-in-law. So pathetic.
“These are harmless people who were having a naming ceremony,” he said.
Gyunka also urged the National Emergency Management Agency to visit the affected communities to help provide relief materials to the victims.
He also called for a stringent law or enforcement of existing laws to prohibit the bearing of arms by unauthorised persons.
He said: “I feel there should be a strong law that will forbid bearing of arms.
“The issue of ECOWAS free movement has done Nigerians more harm than good, because people come into this country with arms, only to turn against the citizens.
“In other countries, foreigners are properly checked before being allowed into the country; but it is not same in Nigeria.
“Our borders are so porous that people come in armed, harass citizens, kill, maim and return to the bush.”
The senator called for assurance from the government, adding that, being predominantly farmers, the people were already scared of returning to their farms.
He said if not nipped in the bud, the situation might lead to food shortage.
Gyunka, who is also Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, said that economic diversification would not work, if farmers are too terrified to go to their farms.
Meanwhile, some Akwanga youths took to the street to protest the alleged killings.
The protesters were seen carrying placards with various inscriptions including, ‘enough of the killings, government should protect us.’
Security operatives were also seen in strategic locations to forestall break down of law and order.
Speaking to newsmen, the President of Mada Youth Wing, Mr Kyuane Umaru, who led the protest, said it was one killing too many.
He called on the Federal Government to wade into the matter to avoid reprisal attacks and breakdown of law and order.(NAN)
