Senator representing Oyo North, Abdulfatai Buhari has urged the federal government to evolve drastic punitive measures to stem the wave of kidnapping and other forms of criminality that were on the rise in the country.
Buhari, who spoke in Ibadan, at the weekend, said kidnapping, attacks and other forms criminality continued to be recorded because there were no punitive measures or scapegoats that would deter people from taking to crime.
While noting that National Assembly members would play their part through motions and bills, when the 9th Assembly resumes, he said it was imperative for President Muhammadu Buhari to wake up to his primary responsibility of ensuring security of Nigerians.
He pointed to instances of capital punishment as deterrent for such criminality in foreign countries like Singapore, India, Saudi Arabia among others, urging the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to take harsh measures to deal with those “stubborn” Nigerians.
However, Buhari charged Nigerians to collaborate with security agencies by providing requisite information to track down criminals who roam their environs.
“The issue of kidnapping is worrisome. I believe and I am afraid for Nigerians themselves because we have not been able to take a drastic measure.
“I believe if there is a firing squad to deal with these people, other people will learn and will stop. It is becoming a business. It is no longer an issue of Fulani herdsmen; people have started taking it as a trade.
“You now see three people come together to kidnap and ask for money. When they collect the money, they take it to the bank, yet no bank can help give information about the money received from a particular account.
“In countries like Singapore, India, Saudi Arabia, Bangkok, if you are found with drugs, you face a firing squad or you have your head cut off. So, you already know the repercussion for offences.
“Security agencies have been making one arrest or the other, but nothing is done. We are stubborn people and except there is a deterrent, people won’t sit up. They are recruiting young guys because there is no punitive measure. We need to take that harsh decision. If capital punishment will be the solution, why not?
“The government needs to wake up and do the needful because the primary assignment of any government is security.
“Also, people should give information to security agencies. We need collaboration from the people. You should report the movement of strangers. These people deal with information and someone gives them information,” Buhari said.
