The House of Representatives has condemned in strong terms, what it described as the gruesome and senseless killing of 13 innocent people of Unguwan Rimi Community Basawa of Sabon Gari local government area of Kaduna State while travelling to Mangu local government area of Plateau State.
The House mandated its ad-hoc committee working on security challenges in Plateau State to conduct a special investigation on the continuous killing of travellers within the same route and report back within 14 days.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion brought under Matters of Urgent National Importance moved by the member representing Sabon Gari Federal Constituency of Kaduna State,
Hon. Sadiq Abdullahi, at plenary on Tuesday.
Moving the motion, Rep Abdullahi expressed deep concern over the tragic killing of the travellers on Friday, when they missed their way while travelling to attend a wedding ceremony in Mangu LGA.
He said the victims who were unarmed civilians on a peaceful journey for a social event, were attacked, mobbed and killed by unidentified persons, which has left their families devastated.
The lawmaker expressed concern that this horrific act was part of an increasing trend of insecurity and inter-state violence that threatens the freedom of movement, peace and unity of the country.
“Worried that despite previous resolutions of this Honourable House and repeated assurances from security agencies, attacks of this nature continue unabated, raising serious questions about the adequacy of the security architecture and the protection of lives and property in Nigeria.
“Concerned that the continued failure to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of such heinous crimes is emboldening criminal elements and undermining public confidence in the Government’s ability to provide security and justice in that area and other areas in the country where such act of crime continues to happen without any action taken against the perpetrators,” he stated.
Adopting the motion, the House urged the federal government to enhance inter-state security coordination to ensure the safety of travellers and prevent further occurrence.
Lawmakers also mandated security agencies to urgently investigate the incident, identify and apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, the House ad-hoc committee mandated to convene a special security conference on the security challenges in Plateau State and beyond, vowed to carry out its mandate to letter in order to address insecurity in the North-Central state.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Hammed Waheed (APC, Lagos) who stated this at the inaugural meeting of the panel, said the security challenges in Plateau State have persisted for far too long.
“We are all witnesses to the unfortunate and recurring cycle of violence that has left many communities in sorrow, displaced countless families, destroyed livelihoods, and eroded trust among ethnic and religious groups.
“These tragic developments are not isolated ā they reverberate beyond Plateau, affecting neighbouring states and undermining national stability.
“It is for this reason that the House of Representatives, at its plenary on the 8th day of May, 2025, in its wisdom and responsiveness to the yearnings of our people, mandated the formation of this Committee.
“Our assignment is clear: to convene a Special Security Conference that will bring together critical stakeholdersāsecurity agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, researchers, and political actorsāto engage in sincere, in-depth discussions and generate sustainable solutions.
“This is not just another conference. It is an opportunity for truth-telling, healing, dialogue, and decisive recommendations. Our aim is not just to diagnose the problemāmuch of which we already knowābut to chart new pathways towards lasting peace, security, justice, and reconciliation.
“As members of this Committee, we must discharge our duties with integrity, impartiality, and utmost sensitivity,” Hon. Waheed said.
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