The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has expressed deep concern over the rise in killings and kidnappings across the state, declaring that the safety of residents can no longer be assured. Lawmakers urged Governor Abdullahi Sule to intensify efforts to curb the worsening security situation affecting communities in both urban and rural areas.
Speaker Danladi Jatau delivered the House resolutions during Tuesday’s plenary in Lafia following a motion raised by Minority Leader Luka Iliya Zhekaba, who condemned the frequent attacks on residents in several communities. Jatau praised Zhekaba for bringing the matter forward and acknowledged contributions from other members.
He noted that although Governor Sule has taken steps to address insecurity, the current level of violence requires more urgent and focused action. The southern senatorial district, which borders troubled areas of Benue State, has become a hotspot for kidnapping, armed assaults and unprovoked killings, forcing many locals to flee their homes.
Despite government assurances of new security strategies, fresh incidents were recorded over the weekend. In Giza, Keana Local Government Area, armed men invaded the home of Yusuf Agbo late Friday night, fired shots and abducted Agbo and his wife. As of Sunday, there had been no contact from the kidnappers. A resident who declined to be identified said widespread fear had gripped Giza and many people were relocating. The resident added that communities had turned to prayer after other efforts to stop the attacks failed.
The abduction came amid a series of recent raids on Keana communities. In a separate attack on Saturday in Barkin Abdullahi in Lafia Local Government Area, a couple working on their farm was assaulted by suspected Fulani herders. Resident James Ovey said the herders grazed cattle on the farmland and attacked the couple with machetes after they confronted them. The woman’s left wrist was severed and her husband sustained serious head injuries. Both are receiving treatment at a private hospital in Lafia.
Police had yet to release an official statement on the incidents at the time this report was prepared.
