Nasarawa State kidnapping crisis alarms lawmakers as they urge full enforcement of the anti-kidnapping law and demand better security measures
The Nasarawa State kidnapping crisis has triggered urgent concern from the state’s House of Assembly, with lawmakers calling for stronger security measures and full enforcement of the anti-kidnapping law passed by the House.
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Speaker Dr. Danladi Jatau raised the alarm on Wednesday after Mr. Solomon Akwashiki, member representing Lafia Central Constituency, highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Lafia, the state capital, during a session in Lafia.
“Our state is gradually becoming a den for kidnappers. This must be addressed before it gets completely out of hand,” the speaker said.
He urged security agencies to take immediate action by utilising the provisions of the anti-kidnapping law enacted by the Assembly, expressing disappointment over its underutilisation.
The lawmakers issued three major resolutions:
1. Urging Governor Abdullahi Sule to direct security agencies to reinforce security presence statewide.
2. Calling on those agencies to begin enforcing the anti-kidnapping law passed by the Assembly.
3. Encouraging residents to report suspicious activities or individuals in their communities.
Mr. Akwashiki warned that Lafia was no longer safe due to rampant kidnapping.
“If Lafia is not safe, where else in Nasarawa is? These criminals are operating freely. We must act before it’s too late,” he declared.
His concern was echoed by Daniel Ogazi (APC-Kokona East), who reminded the House that the law provided for the elimination of convicted kidnappers — a policy that previously showed deterrent effect but has since been neglected.
Majority Leader Suleiman Azara, along with Mr. Esson Mairiga (PDP-Lafia North) and **Mr. Mohammed Omadefu (APC-Keana), emphasized that security forces must now change tactics to match the growing threat.
The Nasarawa State kidnapping crisis continues to raise tensions among residents, with lawmakers pressing for immediate, visible action.
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Without stricter enforcement and smarter security operations, fears persist that the state may spiral further into lawlessness.
