The House of Representatives yesterday mandated its relevant committees to thoroughly investigate the ‘incessant’ attacks and killings by armed bandits in Kajuru, Kaduna State.

This, according to the House, was to unravel the fundamental issues responsible for the unrests, and thus proffer solutions, while security agents intensify efforts to stem the attacks and killings.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance by Yakubu Barde (PDP, Kaduna) on the “incessant attacks and killings by armed bandits in Kajuru, Kaduna State.”

Leading debate on the motion, Barde lamented that the activities of the armed bandits have taken a dangerous dimension in recent times, thereby degenerating into a daily routine.

“On February 10, 2019, Ungwan Barde village was attacked, leaving 11 persons dead; on February 26, 40 persons were killed in Karamai with over 100 houses burnt down.

“Between 10-13 March, over 90 persons were killed in Ungwan Barde, Inkirimi, Dogon Niman, Ungwan Gora, and Kyamara villages.

“Pockets of killings are still ongoing, and despite the outcry of the people, no significant efforts have been made to bring the situation under control,” Barde lamented.

The lawmaker recalled that in October 2018, the Adara monarch, Agom Adara, was abducted and murdered by gunmen; meanwhile, nothing had been heard since then about the prosecution of the suspects arrested after the incident.

He further expressed concern that no arrests have been made by security agents in respect to the killings, even as over 50 Adara leaders and youths are being remanded in prison for over a month without recourse to due process.

In his contribution, Deputy Speaker, Yusuf Lasun (APC, Osun), charged the House to accord the matter all necessary attention, and if possible, set up a standing committee that would be specifically charged with such matters

After the debate, Speaker Yakubu Dogara put the motion to a voice vote and was unanimously adopted with a call on the National Emergency Management Agency to provide relief materials for victims of the attacks.