By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has expressed his displeasure over the underreporting of achievements recorded by security agents in their efforts to bring criminality to its knees.
Akpabio said instead of reporting feats by security agents, some journalists take delight in according prominence to negative stories deeming them newsworthy.
He stressed that the successes recorded by security agents far outweigh the failures which often make headlines of reports.
Akpabio made these remarks during a debate on an urgent motion regarding the ongoing banditry in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State, moved by Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro (PDP, Gombe South).
“When you become a governor, you will understand what happens with security votes. The number of attempts foiled by security forces surpasses the ones that succeed, but those are rarely reported. Security agencies often intercept criminals before they commit their acts, but these successes are overlooked.”
He continued, “It is true that state governments play a vital role in security, and that the responsibility for maintaining peace and order should not fall solely on the federal government. Every Nigerian must contribute to security, peace, and harmony.” Akpabio said while commenting on the state of security in the country.
Earlier, Senator Ningi had questioned the role of state governors in ensuring security, pointing out that each state receives at least N500 million monthly as security votes.
He stressed that the constitution designates governors as the chief security officers of their states, meaning they must take responsibility for the safety of lives and property.
Meanwhile, the Senate has called on the federal government to fund the establishment of modern ranches across the country to improve safety and enhance economic productivity for both herders and local communities.
The Senate also resolved to create laws defining the limits of economic activities under the ECOWAS treaty and to regulate movement to protect the rights and safety of Nigerians.
The Senate urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the recent attacks in Gombe, with a view to apprehending the perpetrators accordingly.
Additionally, the Senate called for the urgent establishment of a joint police and military taskforce in Billiri to prevent further killings and requested the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the North East Development Commission to provide relief materials to displaced victims.
The Senate also mandated its committees on Legislative Compliance, Police Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence to ensure compliance with these resolutions and to seek long-term solutions to insecurity in the region.
Senator Yaro, who introduced the motion, called for urgent action to address the recurring banditry attacks in Billiri, particularly following the deadly assault on several villages by suspected herders on December 11, 2024. He condemned the killings, arson, and widespread displacement caused by the attackers.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) reminded the Senate of a previous agreement to hold a national public hearing to explore legislative solutions to security challenges tied to economic activities and movement.
He also stressed the need to define individual rights within the context of ECOWAS, ensuring that the rights of one person do not infringe on the rights of others.
