Insecurity: Senate Calls For Military Base In Kwara Communities

The Senate on Wednesday called on the federal government to establish a permanent military base in communities ravaged by bandits in Kwara South.

The lawmakers specifically mentioned the forest belts of Ifelodun local government area where armed criminal groups have been terrorising the communities.

No fewer than 54 persons, including a traditional ruler, have been reported killed, while about 25 communities have been deserted for fear of further attacks.

The Senate, following a debate on the matter, mandated the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police to deploy additional troops and special units to clear the forests and restore normalcy in the affected communities.

The lawmakers also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to immediately provide humanitarian relief materials to displaced persons in the affected areas.

The Senate called for compensation for survivors, including families of the seven forest guards and vigilantes killed by the criminals while defending the communities.

The legislative chamber similarly directed security agencies to identify and prosecute local collaborators aiding bandit operations in Kwara communities.

It also mandated the Senate Committees on Defence, Police Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence, to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of affected areas and report back within two weeks.

The Senate consequently resolved to invite the Minister of Defence, Chief of Army Staff, and the Inspector-General of Police to brief the House on the coordinated federal response to the escalating insecurity in Kwara South.

The lawmakers observes one minute of silence in honor of the forest guards, vigilantes, traditional leaders, and innocent citizens who lost their lives in the attacks.