LAGOS State House of Assembly has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Nigerian Navy and other relevant agencies to provide adequate security on waterways in the metropolis following last week’s Ikorodu bank robbery.
Moving a motion on the incident that occurred at Ipakodo, Ikorodu, where two banks were robbed by bandits, who escaped through the waterways, Majority Leader, Sanai Agunbiade also urged Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to strengthen the Waterways Guard Corps.
He said the corps should be supported to discharge its functions as enshrined in the Lagos State Waterways Agency Law 2008, adding that the two helicopters bought for LASWA should be utilised.
Agunbiade, urged all commercial banks and structures near jetties to strengthen their security by installing high density cameras on their premises.
“The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) should extend its operations from the roads to waterways. The Federal Government, through the National Assembly, should approve the formation of state police by the 36 states in the country,” he said.
Olumuyiwa Jimoh from Apapa Constituency 2 said the Maritime Police should be involved in securing the waterways.
Lanre Ogunyemi from Ojo Constituency 2, observed that armed robbers were trying to put the state under siege, adding that the Ikorodu incident was similar to that of Lekki which occured about two months ago.
“The armed robbers operated commando-like unchallenged and with highly sophisticated equipment and highly experienced individuals. We should wake up to strengthen the control and security of our waterways. We should work with the communities along the waterways for intelligence purposes. We need more Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in Lagos,” he said.
Sikiru Oshinowo from Kosofe Constituency 1, however, suggested that it was better to license all boats for the government to know the number of boats operating in the state and for easy recognition of anyone used for robbery.
Yinka Ogundimu from Agege 2 Constituency said security should be taken seriously, adding that it would be difficult for RRS to operate on the waterways.
Rotimi Olowo from Shomolu Constituency 1 accused the Nigerian Navy of focusing on dredgers and miners rather than tackling robbery despite the incentives given them for such task.
He advised banks and other financial institutions to invest in Information Technology to help security men perform their duties.
Olufunmilayo Tejuosho from Mushin Constituency 1 said: “The Federal Government needs to strengthen the Navy and the Police. We also need to know the challenges facing the waterways and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). Authorities at the LSSTF should be invited to the House. We need to amend the law of LSSTF 2008 and make their corps more effective.
Moshood Oshun from Mainland Constituency 2 said waterway robbery was a national problem, noting that banks are not on waterways, but on the streets.
He said he witnessed the Lekki robbery, which he described as “scary”, adding that the robbers go to the banks with explosives.
The Nation
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