Senate Demands Immediate Signing Of Nigerian Forest Security Service Bill To Combat Rising Insecurity

The Senate has urged President Bola Tinubu to give assent to the Nigerian Forest Security Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, recently passed by the National Assembly and currently awaiting his approval. This bill is designed to tackle the escalating security challenges across the nation.

The call followed the adoption of two motions sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro and Senator Sunday Karimi, condemning the kidnapping of His Royal Highness, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke, and the violent attacks on communities in Benue State by suspected herdsmen.

The abduction took place on Thursday, May 15, when armed attackers stormed the monarch’s palace and took him to an unknown location amid gunfire.

Senators unanimously demanded urgent intervention from security agencies in the affected areas and suggested revisiting the Nigerian Forest Security Service Bill to include the Forest Guard initiative proposed by President Tinubu. This initiative aims to curb insecurity, especially in forested and rural zones where criminals operate freely.

Senator Abba Moro also briefed the Senate on coordinated attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Akpete and Ojantele communities in Benue State’s Apa Local Government Area on May 1 and May 7, which resulted in the deaths of over a dozen residents.

The Senate further called on the federal government to direct all security agencies to prioritize the rescue of the abducted monarch and intensify efforts to protect residents in the troubled communities.

In a related development, the Senate passed a bill requiring Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritize patronage of local automobile manufacturers and indigenous companies during procurement. Introduced by Senator Patrick Ndubueze and supported by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, the bill is aimed at promoting patriotism, boosting the economy, and reducing dependency on imports.

Jibrin emphasized that supporting locally made products is both a patriotic duty and a strategic economic move that will create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, particularly in the automobile industry.