Include Kaduna, Plateau among crisis-ridden states, Reps demand

The House of Representatives on Thursday demanded the inclusion of Kaduna and Plateau among States ravaging by herdsmen listed to be visited by a subcommittee setup by Federal Government.

The call followed a motion under matters of urgent public importance by Rep. Sunday Katung (Kaduna-APC).

Leading debate on the motion, the lawmaker explained that Kaduna and Plateau, which were the hotbed of the conflicts, were mistakenly omitted from the states to be visited by the sub-committee.

Katung explained that the mandate of the sub-committee headed by Ebonyi Governor, Mr David Umahi, was to hold consultation with stakeholders and interested parties on how to bring an end to the conflicts.

He said that Kaduna and Plateau had recorded many killings.

“The omission of these states from the interactions and consultations with the sub-committee will only ensure that the conflicts are not finally, comprehensively and conclusively addressed.

“We believe this is the true intent of the Federal Government,’’ he added.

“Every effort must be put in place to save Nigeria from these needless and brutal killings and that the inclusion of Kaduna and Plateau will advance this objective.’’

In his contribution, Rep. Adams Jagaba (Kaduna-APC) said “the number of people killed by herdsmen in my state is three times higher than those killed in Benue.

“Why is the Benue case different, because they have a governor standing by them? God is watching and He’s going to send his ballistic missiles to destroy them (the herdsmen).’’

The motion was adopted by members when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara.

The House, however, mandated its Committee on Public Safety and Intelligence to immediately contact and liaise with the office of the Vice President to ensure the inclusion of both states.

The committee has two weeks to report back to the House.