Alarmed by the rising cases of insecurity and kidnapping across the country, the Senate has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently sign the Nigerian Forest Security Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, into law.
The bill, which was recently passed by the National Assembly, is currently awaiting presidential assent. Lawmakers believe it would significantly enhance efforts to tackle insecurity, especially in rural and forested areas prone to criminal activities.
Additionally, the Senate called on the Federal Government to direct all security agencies to deploy their resources for the immediate rescue of His Royal Highness, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke, who was abducted from his palace in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State by armed assailants.
The Senate also advocated for a security intervention in vulnerable regions, noting that the Forest Security Bill could be amended to accommodate President Tinubu’s proposed Forest Guard initiative aimed at combating insecurity in forest zones.
The resolutions followed the submission of two motions sponsored by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), and Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West). Both lawmakers condemned the kidnapping of the Kogi monarch and the violent attacks on communities in Benue State by suspected herdsmen.
During the session, Senator Moro recounted the coordinated attacks by suspected armed groups on Akpete and Ojantele communities in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, which took place on May 1 and May 7, resulting in the tragic loss of over a dozen residents.
The Senate emphasized that swift presidential assent to the Forest Security Bill would provide a legal framework to bolster security efforts and protect communities vulnerable to banditry and kidnappings.