The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has lamented the looting and destruction of public and private assets by criminals across the country.

Ahmad also condoled the families of victims of the violence that paralysed parts of the country for days; even as he called for a thorough investigation into acts of criminality.

He especially paid tributes to security agents who lost their lives in the line of duty for their country while urging security agencies to restrain hoodlums and perpetrators of the acts immediately.

Ahmad, in a statement personally signed by him in Abuja on Monday, has therefore called for the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the wanton destruction and looting of both public and private property.

He said, “In spite of the unfortunate hijack of the protests against police brutality by hoodlums to unleash horrifying violence, arson, looting and wanton destruction of public and private property on the country, we will ensure that government fulfills the commitment it has made to the well-meaning agitators for police reform and good governance.

“The National Assembly is fully committed to putting the necessary legislation in place for comprehensive reform of the Police to enhance their institutional integrity and efficiency.”

He said, “I send my condolences to the families of our security and law enforcement agents who have made the supreme sacrifices in the course of their service to their fatherland.

“I also call for a thorough investigation of every criminal act that we have witnessed in the past few weeks with a view to bringing to justice all those elements who have so callously destroyed public and private property.

“I call on our patriotic youths to leave the streets as the government has heard their voices and is addressing their grievances.

“This is also necessary to avoid unwittingly continuing to provide covers for the criminals and fifth columnists in our midst.

“However, as regards those criminal elements unleashing terror on our cities under the guise of the protest, I urge the security agencies to forthwith but with utmost restraint, restore law and order across the country and bring the criminals to justice.”

“While still grappling with the havoc of Coronavirus (COVID-19), the country can ill afford yet another epidemic that has now appeared in the form of the lawlessness that is going on,” he added.

The Senate President thanked leaders and all Nigerians for their interventions towards restoring peace and order after the degeneration of the protest into chaos and brigandage in many parts of the country.

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