…also ask security agencies to beef up security in Edo State
Disturbed by the plethora of jailbreaks across Nigeria, the House of Representatives at plenary on Thursday mandated its committee on Reformatory and Correctional Institutions to investigate jailbreaks caused by hoodlums across the country.
The lawmakers called on the Controller General of Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) to immediately reinforce the armed squad of the service as part of measures to prevent the spate of attacks on prisons across the country.
The House also called for effective collaboration between the Federal and State Governments to tackle unforeseen attacks and for security agencies to intensify efforts to recapture escapees in view of the danger it portends.
The members resolved to amend extant rules to enable membership of the Controller General of Corrections into the National Security Council.
The resolutions were sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance, titled, ”need to investigate jailbreaks across the country with a view to Forestalling reoccurrence,” sponsored by Hon. Chudy Momah.
Momah while moving the motion expressed concern at the spate of attacks on Correctional facilities across the country in recent times which has become a source of internal security threat to the country.
He recalled that in the last couple of years over cases of jailbreaks have been recorded across the Nation instigated by both internal and external forces.
He said the House is Aware that recent jailbreaks particularly the Owerri case where 1,844 inmates were released and operational tools completely destroyed have heightened insecurity in the country.
Momah said this pattern of Jailbreak, the audacity and sophistication with which it was carried out portends great danger for the country.
He said, ”Correctional centres in Borno, Enugu, Oko, Konto-karfe, Oyo, Kano, Edo, Ondo and Owerri amongst others have been attacked and a huge number of inmates released into the Society.
“Disturbed that the forewarning of the jailbreak was, allegedly, not acted upon by concerned security agencies to prevent the attack despite proximity to the Correctional centre.
”Concerned about the general insecurity in the country and increasing concern for safety of lives and properties aggravated by recent jailbreaks across the country.
“Worried that continuous violation of our Correctional facilities, if not checked, could lead to further deterioration of current insecurity in the country”.
Adopting the motion, the House gave the Committee 60 days to carry out the investigation and report back to it for further legislative action.
Also, the House adopted a motion on the urgent need to beef-up security in Owan Federal Constituency, Edo state to mitigate against the increase in kidnapping activities.
The promoter, Hon. Julius O. Ihonvbere while moving the motion lamented that the constituency is currently besieged by kidnappers, which now poses a threat to the peaceful existence and security of lives and property.
He added that proactive rather than reactive measures would go a long way in mitigating insecurity in various parts of the country.
Adopting the motion, the House resolves to urge the Executive Arm of Government to come up with a holistic implementable strategy, including immediate recruitment of officers, deployment of personnel, support for vigilante groups and local hunters as well as dialogue with critical stakeholders to immediately address the incessant kidnappings and abductions in the constituency.