The House of Representatives has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to expedite the delivery of justice in the case of Miss Chalya Silas, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who was brutally murdered in Kaduna state.
This plea comes after a motion was unanimously adopted by the House during Tuesday’s plenary session, initiated by Rep. Beni Lar (PDP-Plateau).
Moving the motion, Lar recalled that on Oct. 18, Silas was brutally murdered while jogging in Barnawa, Kaduna South Local Government Area.
She said that Silas hailed from Tabat, in Langtang North Federal constituency, Plateau state.
According to the lawmaker, the deceased who is a graduate of Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Jos, tragically died at the hands of her assailants while undertaking the mandatory service year.
“The tragic incident is one of numerous murders of innocent girls and women nationwide, with perpetrators often unaccounted for or not brought to justice.
“Worried that the safety and security of the girl child is no longer guaranteed, given the continued liberty and freedom enjoyed by these heinous assailants, who still roam the streets preying on their next victim.
“The prompt justice in this case would deter potential perpetrators, thereby ensuring a safer environment for Nigerian children and residents.
“Delaying justice in this case would be equivalent to denying justice to the victims’ families and loved ones, as well as the entire nation,” she said.
Lar said that if nothing is done to stop the continuous attacks, rape and murder of young girls and women, it would render the country unsafe to live.
The lawmakers observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased and tasked the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police to speedily identify the assailants.
In his ruling, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, mandated the Committee on Police to investigate the matter.
He also mandated the Committee on Youth Development to review the safety of corps members as they fulfil their one-year compulsory national service.
Addressing journalists, Lar commended the house for the swift response to the plight of her constituent.
She promised to also follow up on resolutions of the House to ensure speedy implementations by the police authorities.
Lar also said that there is a need to tighten parliamentary oversight functions on security agencies to ensure improved effectiveness.