“Our committees on Defence and Security should engage with the security agencies to find out if there are other issues that need to be addressed to prevent the recurrence of such sad incident.” – Saraki
Fred Itua, Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja, Magnus Eze, Enugu and Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Senate yesterday summoned heads of the various security agencies to appear before its relevant committees and explain how they intend to curtail the rising killings being carried out by Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East.
The summon came against the backdrop of the killings of two staff humanitarian workers, Saifura Khorsa and Hauwa Liman, back-to-back by insurgents.
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Ms. Liman was abducted in an attack in Rann on in March, alongside Saifura Hussaini Ahmed Khorsa and Alice Loksha. Saifura was killed on September 16 and Hauwa the following day reportedly by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) while Alice remains in captivity, along with Leah Sharibu, a 15-year-old student abducted by the group in a separate incident in February.
Speaking at plenary, Saraki said: “Distinguished colleagues, irrespective of the decision that we have taken, I believe that our committees on Defence and Security, as part of their own responsibilities, should engage with the security agencies to find out if there are other issues that need to be addressed in order to prevent the recurrence of such sad incident.”
He pledged the commitment of the parliament to continue to work with the nation’s Armed Forces to stop the killings and improve security across the country.
Anger in House of Reps
Adopting a motion on “The tragic execution of voluntary health workers, Saifura Khorsa and Hauwa Liman by Boko Haram sect and the urgent need to rescue the remaining health worker, Alice Loksha in captivity,” the House of Representatives tasked the Federal Government to intensify efforts in collaborating with other countries in the fight against terrorism in the country.
It equally urged development partners not to relent in their aid and support for the fight against in the country.
Leading debate on the motion, Chike Okafor expressed dismay that in spite of negotiations, the insurgents went ahead to kill the humanitarian workers.
Contributing to the debate, Kingsley Chinda lamented the deplorable security situation in the country, stating that it was obvious the Federal Government has failed in its duties to the people.
“This is one area that we have agreed that the present system has failed. Issues of security on the floor of this House have been discussed more than any other issue.
“There is no month that we have not discussed issued of security. How long are we going keep on passing resolutions that are not implemented.
“We must begin to exercise the power that we have. The primary responsibility of any government is to protect the lives and property of the people.”
On his part, Nnanna Igbokwe said the House has repeatedly approved funds for the security agencies without commensurate results. He said in as much as there was need for the government to urgently rescue others, who are still in Boko Haram captivity, efforts should also be intensified to secure other Nigerians.
“We have approved money for security agencies. We have approved money for the federal government. We can approve more. They should live up to their responsibilities,” the lawmaker stated.
Ohanaeze slams Buhari
Meanwhile, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo has blamed the attributed alleged pampering of insurgents by President Muhammadu Buhari for the continued onslaughts in the North-East.
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He also lamented the apparent helplessness of the nation’s security forces as the insurgents maul down defenceless Nigerians.
Nwodo, in a statement by his media aide, said the weakness of and ineffectual resistance to the dastardly acts of the insurgents was traceable to the country’s dysfunctional security apparatus.
Nwodo said as long as the headship of the nation’s security agencies were determined by tribal origin and analogue security chiefs who had their tenures illegally extended, the forage by the insurgents would be hardly contained.
ACF tasks FG
Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on the Federal Government to ensure the release of Leah Sharibu from Boko Haram captivity as well as alter its strategy in handling insurgency.
According to a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, ACF called on the FG to review its negotiation strategy and ensure that the other aid worker, Leah Sharibu and the Chibok girls still in the captivity of the Boko Haram are rescued and released to their families.
“The FG should not wait for deadline from the terrorists before taking necessary actions to rescue them. Any actions by the FG and the allies on this issue should be quick in order to assuage the fears of Nigerians of what may happen to those still in captivity.”
It also condemned the action of the terrorists, describing it as callous, barbaric, inhuman and totally against the tenets of Islam.
“The killing is a clear desecration of Islam which preaches sacred inviolability of the individual,”. it said.
Release our daughter’s corpse – Hauwa’s parents
The parents of Hauwa have reacted to her unconfirmed execution by the dread Boko Haram sect.
The parents in a emotional laden voice said their daughter was still alive and demanded the release of her corpse.
Both parents who spoke to a television station, yesterday, demanded for the release of her corps as a proof of her death.
Hauwa’s mother who spoke in Hausa said: “They are looking for ransom and the president promised their release and the time given was too short. In my strong belief, I am very sure my daughter is alive somewhere, they should release my daughter to me please.”
Reacting, Governor Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo, expressed sadness over the execution of Liman.
For the senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, Ms Liman was a martyr of peace.