The Kogi State House of Assembly has issued a call to the state government to take immediate measures to address the growing incidents of organ theft and mob lynching of innocent individuals.
The assembly has also urged the police to conduct thorough investigations and apprehend those involved in organ theft, particularly in Lokoja, the state capital, and across Kogi State.
This call comes following a motion of urgent public importance presented by Hon. Bin Ebaiya Shehu Tijani, the representative of Lokoja I State Constituency, during a session on Tuesday.
Hon. Shehu expressed deep concern about the alarming cases of organ theft, which are often linked to superstitious beliefs and magical practices.
He highlighted that not only have there been instances of actual organ theft, but also false accusations that have led to the lynching of innocent individuals.
“We are disturbed by the claim of innocence in some cases, particularly the case of an okada man whose passenger shouted and accused the rider of organ theft and was immediately lynched without investigation at Felele by passers-by, and such other instances are serious causes for concern.
“We are also aware that few individuals were caught and had confessed their crimes. Few others were arraigned and are now being prosecuted for such crimes. Yet the cases of organ theft are on the increase daily,” he said.
Seconding the motion, Hon. Bello Oluwaseyi, the Deputy Chief Whip representing Kabba/Bunu, informed the assembly that organ theft cases have been on the rise in Kogi State in recent weeks. He emphasized that both the government and security agencies must take proactive steps to prevent crises in the state.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Umar Aliyu, called on security agencies to carry out their duties in maintaining law and order to prevent chaos in Kogi State.
Additionally, the assembly approved the nominations of Hon. Yahaya Ade Ismail as Commissioner and Barr. Alfred Bello as a board member of the Kogi State House of Assembly Service Commission.
