Insecurity: Senate To Back Deployment Of Soldiers On Highways

Towards checking insecurity in the country, the Senate may support the deployment of soldiers to highways across the country.

Senate Deputy President Ovie Omo-Agege dropped the hint in a chat with reporters after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House yesterday.

Senator Omo-Agege spoke on the heels of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s assurance at the weekend that the Federal Government would deploy troops on roads to curb criminal activities, especially kidnapping for ransom, banditry and killings.

Osinbajo spoke on Sunday in Akure, the Ondo State capital after condoling with elder statesman, Chief Reuben Fasoranti over the killing of his daughter, Mrs. Funke Olakunrin.

Omo-Agege said: “On a good day, it is not something we would encourage because as much as possible, you will want to keep the military in the barracks but because of the exigencies of the moment we have no choice but to encourage that.

“Nigerians need to be assured of their safety at all times, that is the essence of governance as guaranteed by the constitution.

“Therefore, as canvassed and indeed ordered by the Vice President, that we have the army provide security at the check points, if that will go a long way to prevent this kidnapping and banditry, why not?” he queried.

He said that the Senate has taken a position on the banditry in the northern part of the country.

“We are not happy like most Nigerians about what is going on in places, most especially Zamfara. We believe that the head of the security architecture in Zamfara being the commissioner of police can do more than they have already done.

“We are encouraging them to do that because Mr. President has provided everything that ought to be given to them, everything in terms of funding received, in terms of acquisition of weaponry to that has been provided for them.

“It is now left for them to justify the positions they hold in Zamfara, and other states of course.”