Reps task police to facilitate release of ex-minister, husband

The House of Representatives on Wednesday in Abuja, directed the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS) to facilitate the release of former Minister of Environment, Mrs Lawrencia Mallam and her husband.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Rep. Sunday Katung (Kaduna State).

The couple was kidnapped on Monday along the Kaduna/Abuja road.

Moving the motion, Katung called on the Police and the DSS to intensify efforts to ensure the safe release of the kidnapped couple and the abductors apprehended.

He said there was need for the Police and other security agencies to step up surveillance on the Bwari/Jere/Kaduna road.

Katung said that the former minister and her husband, Mr Pius Mallam, were kidnapped at about 7p.m. after their attackers shot their driver.

“The kidnappers dispossessed the driver of his mobile phone and thereafter used the phone to contact a family member to demand for ransom,’’ he said.

The lawmaker further expressed worry that the spate of kidnapping was in the increase along the Bwari/Jere road.

He expressed concern that 48 hours after the incident, the Police and other security agencies were unable to secure the release of the victims.