By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The House of Representatives has called for urgent joint military operations to flush out bandits terrorising communities in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The call followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the House Chief Whip, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, over renewed attacks on Garin Galadima, Pindiga, Garin Jaji, Laro and other neighbouring communities.
Presenting the motion on Wednesday, Kumo said the attacks had led to the killing of at least six persons, the abduction of about 20 others who are currently being held hostage, and the destruction of property, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
He lamented that the persistent assaults had created fear and disrupted economic and social activities in the affected areas.
Adopting the motion, the House urged President Bola Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to direct the Chief of Defence Staff to immediately initiate a coordinated joint security operation involving the Army, Air Force and other security agencies, including aerial surveillance and ground support, to dismantle bandits’ camps and prevent further attacks.
The lawmakers also called on the Inspector-General of Police to deploy Mobile Police Force (MOPOL) squadrons to the affected communities to restore law and order and strengthen security presence.
In addition, the House urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to provide immediate relief materials to victims of the attacks.
The House mandated its Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Defence, Army, Air Force, Police and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance with the resolutions.