Kogi State House of Assembly has approved the recruitment of 1,050 hunters to boost, strengthen and support other security agencies in the state in the effort to curb crime and criminality.
The House gave the approval at Wednesday plenary sitting in Lokoja following the adoption of a letter from the Executive requesting approval for recruitment of 50 hunters in each for the 21 Local Government Areas of the State.
The letter signed by Barr. Salami Ozigi Deedat, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs was read by Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf.
Rt Hon. Yusuf reminded the legislators that it was previously resolved by the lawmakers that given the security challenges in the State coupled with the shortage of manpower, there was need for the recruitment of the hunters.
Question put before the lawmakers whether to adopt the letter and grant the approval or not got a resounding and unanimous ayes voice vote in its favour and it was adopted.
Speaker Aliyu Umar Yusuf in his ruling granted the approval the recruitment of 1,050 hunters, adding that payment of their salaries rested squarely on the shoulders of the Local Government Councils.
It is believed that the upsurge and spate of widespread criminal activities including kidnapping and banditry in the state must have spurred the collaboration between the Executive and the legislature in the request and approval.