The Senate has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to speedily give assent to the Nigerian Forest Security Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, just approved by the National Assembly, as part of efforts to stem insecurity.
Additionally, the Senate requested the Federal Government to order all security agencies to immediately mobilize their resources in order to rescue the monarch.
The resolution on the Forest Security Bill was passed following the submission of two Bills, sponsored by Senators Sunday Karimi and Abba Moro, the Senate minority leader.
In a show of irritation against the prevailing insecurity nationwide, the Senate strongly condemned the murderous attacks on communities in Benue State by suspected herdsmen and the kidnapping of His Royal Highness, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke, in Kogi State’s Yagba West Local Government Area.
The Senate voiced its displeasure in the first motion about the kidnapping of a Kogi monarch by suspected kidnappers who entered his palace at midnight on Thursday, May 15, fired gunshots, and then took him to an unidentified place.
Legislators urged quick security action in all impacted areas, but they also pointed out that the Bill might be changed to include the President’s suggested Forest Guard program, which would reduce growing insecurity, especially in rural and wooded areas.
Over a dozen civilians were killed in coordinated attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen on the Akpete and Ojantele towns in Benue State’s Apa Local Government Area on May 1 and May 7, respectively, which Moro had reported to the chamber.
