Senate asks security agencies to probe Benue robbery

The senate has asked the police and other security agencies to probe a robbery that occurred in Otukpo town in Benue state.

The upper legislative chamber also called for a probe into why intelligence failed to detect the planned robbery.

The resolutions of the senate were sequel to a motion sponsored by Abba Moro, senator representing Benue south, on Tuesday.

On Friday, robbers attacked and looted branches of First Bank, United Bank of Africa (UBA), Stanbic Bank, Zenith Bank, and a police station.

Cash to the tune of millions of naira and ammunition were carted away by the robbers who left a number of dead people in their wake.

While moving his motion, Moro expressed dismay that the robbers operated in broad daylight without any resistance.

Contributing to the debate, Adamu Aliero, senator representing Kebbi central, said the federal government should enroll more police personnel to forestall such attacks.

“The police are seriously handicapped. They don’t have enough ammunition,” Aliero said.

“It is now time for us to take a firm step that the federal government should employ more personnel to fill the gap.

“More personnel should be recruited. The motion is timely and apt.”

On his part, Jimoh Ibrahim, senator representing Ondo south, said the security agencies should work in unison as it is the only way to mitigate such attacks.

“This is very sad. There is a need for police to collaborate with other security institutions. They should go beyond classical policing,” Ibrahim said.

The motion was adopted after it was put to a vote by Jibrin Barau, deputy president of the senate.