The Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has called on the National Assembly to ensure the safe passage of the Hunters Bill 2020, to support government efforts in effectively tackling insecurity in rural communities ravaged by farmer-herder crises.
The governor disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja in a meeting with the Hunters Council of Nigeria, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
The proposed bill is sponsored by Senator Abiodun Olujimi and has also passed first and second readings at both Chambers.
What the Governor is saying
Governor Bello stated that the bill legitimizes the role of hunters in the fight against insecurity, citing that Kogi State has implemented the use of hunters in rural crime-fighting.
“I will urge the National Assembly to pass this Bill into law so that we will be able to empower all of you to take the security head-on.
“You can see exactly what our hunters are doing in Kogi State. Sometimes, they even rescue some of our security personnel.
“So when every inch of the land is been represented by you, you need to secure every inch of the land.
“When we take care of every inch of the land, our communities will be safe, our roads will be safe, our local governments will be safe, our states will be safe and of course, our nation will be safe.
“I thank you for your support, for this your call, and for lending your voice and promising your support to this movement,” Bello said.
Amb. Joshua Osatimehin, Commander-General, Nigeria Hunters Council, during the public hearing, called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the speedy passage of the Bill.
