By Kassim Omomia
Like its Senate counterpart, the House of Representatives yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to declare Bandits as Terrorist.

The lawmakers passed a resolution after debating a motion of urgent national importance raised by Honourable Babjimi Benson, APC Lagos

Part of the resolution also called for the declaration of all identifiable sponsors of terrorism in the country wanted and subsequently prosecuted in line with provisions of the anti-terrorism Act

Debating the motion, honourable Benson said it has become expedient to join the Senate in raising this clarion call and to give impetus to both positions by concurring with the Senate so that both resolutions can have a force of law

“I would like to echo the same sentiment and ask honourable colleagues to join the Senate in urging Mr President to declare bandits and their sponsors as terrorists. This will underline the determination of Government to combat the wave of criminality and murders conducted by bandits all over the country“ Benson added.

He noted that the declaration of bandits as terrorists can be done through a proscription order that will serve as an added impetus for the country’s security personnel to redouble their efforts in dealing with this menace, adding that when given a force of law by the resolutions, the President’s declaration Order will officially bring the activities of bandits and their sponsors within the purview of the Terrorism Prevention Act and any persons associated with such groups can then be legally prosecuted and sentenced to penalties specified in the Act.

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He added that the Declaration of all Bandits as Terrorist may also encourage other countries to do same and help create a global consensus around dealing with transnational factors that feeds the domestic activities of such proscribed organisations and individuals.

He explained that no one action can be a silver bullet to solving the country’s insecurity but a collection of many effective actions and strategies

Recall that the Senate on Wednesday, 29th September 2021 adopted a motion asking President Muhammadu Buhari to declare bandits ravaging the northern part of the country terrorists and wage a total war on them.

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They also asked that the president declare all known leaders of bandits wanted and arrest them wherever they were found for speedy prosecution.

Such declaration to be done through a Proscription Order can be done pursuant to section 2 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011 (As Amended) Benson reiterated