Senate holds minute silence six times as killings by insurgents, bandits continue

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Senate yesterday capitulated to a helpless and funlike disposition towards the dead, as it held a minute silence six times for thousands of Nigerians who die daily over the worsening insecurity across the country.
Bandits, Boko Haram terrorists, unknown gunmen, cattle herders, kidnappers, among other criminal elements, have constantly killed many Nigerians daily across the country, resulting in thousands being sent to their early grave.
Sequel to this ugly trend which appears beyond the capacity of both the President and the National Assembly, the Senate yesterday held one minute silence six times collectively for the dead, a sign that the lawmakers have surrendered to faith and have no solution whatsoever to the crisis.
President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, speaking after the six times one minute silence, said that legislative interventions must be stepped-up by the National Assembly to protect Nigerians against the heightening spate of insecurity in the country.
According to the Senate President, it is imperative for the National Assembly to step up legislative interventions to reduce the number of deaths caused by criminal activities.
He added that such interventions would be backed by collaborative efforts between the Legislature, Executive and Nigerians to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
He said: “Let me observe that we have observed about six one-minute silences and most of it was to pray for the repose of the souls of Nigerians who were murdered or killed by criminals.
“It is very important that we step up our legislative intervention in ensuring that we protect the lives and properties of Nigerians to reduce the incidence of one-minute silence.
“I believe that the Senate and, indeed, the National Assembly, working together with the Executive and getting the support of Nigerians, we can bring the much needed succor to our people, and that is why we are here.”