The House of Representatives has asked the Nigeria Police, to speedily investigate circumstances that led to the crisis in the Shasha area of Ibadan, Oyo State, and ensure perpetrators involved are brought to book.
The call came through speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday.
“Today, we serve that duty by calling on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to conduct a speedy and thorough investigation into the recent violence in Oyo State, to allow for prosecution and punishment of those who instigated and participated in the killings and destruction of property. The Committees on Police Affairs and Justice are mandated to communicate the House’s position to the Inspector General of Police”, the speaker stated in his remarks.
Recalling how last week he spoke about the rising spate of insecurity and conflict across the country, the speaker lamented that “Shortly after, and throughout the weekend, the warnings about the dangers we face manifested in Ibadan, Oyo State of Nigeria where an explosion of violence led to citizens’ death and the loss of hard-earned property”.
He said, “On behalf of the House, I commiserate with the families of those who lost their lives in this most unfortunate incident. And I commiserate too with the government and good people of Oyo State. I assure all Nigerians that the House of Representatives will work, within the powers available to us, to prevent reoccurrence of similar incidents, not just in Oyo State, but across our country – North, West, East and South.
“Honourable colleagues, the House of Representatives has neither command nor control of the country’s security apparatus. We cannot act to deploy men and equipment to gather intelligence, enforce laws fairly, and take all other actions necessary to prevent the breakdown of law and order and the wanton violence that follows in its wake.
“However, the House is a microcosm of our beloved country, and here in this chamber, we represent every tribe and region, creed, and religion. And we owe a duty to the people we serve, to do the things we believe sincerely in our hearts can improve the circumstances of their lives.”
The speaker further announced the House’s support for the special committee put in place by President Muhammadu Buhari, under leadership of the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno, to hold peace and unity consultations across the country, adding that “We will work together to examine the cultural, religious, and localised conflicts over land and history that are often at the root of internal security challenges and violent upheavals such as occurred in Oyo state last week and other parts of the country over the years”.
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