February 18th, 2025
Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya, the representative of Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, has strongly condemned the brutal murder of Hafsoh Lawal, calling for urgent legislative and security measures to address the rising cases of femicide and ritual killings in Nigeria.
Speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives earlier today, Hon. Shagaya lent his voice to a motion titled *”National Call to Halt Homicidal and Femicidal Acts in Nigeria,”* moved by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante and three other lawmakers. In his contribution, he brought to the House’s attention the shocking murder of Hafsoh Lawal, which occurred in his constituency over the weekend, allegedly for ritual purposes.
The lawmaker strongly condemned the heinous act, emphasizing that such barbarism has no place in any civilized society. He called for decisive actions to bring perpetrators to justice while advocating for stricter legislation, enhanced law enforcement capacity, and robust public awareness campaigns to dismantle the culture of silence and impunity surrounding such atrocities.
“This is not just a crime against an individual; it is an assault on our shared humanity,” Hon. Shagaya stated. “As representatives of the people, we must act decisively to ensure that those responsible for these horrific acts face the full weight of the law.”
Earlier, in an official statement released through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Basheer Luqman, Hon. Shagaya extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, particularly Baba Adefalu, describing the incident as a “shocking and heart-wrenching tragedy.” He commended the Nigeria Police for their swift response and urged them to intensify their investigations to ensure that justice prevails.
Hon. Shagaya’s impassioned appeal at the National Assembly underscores the urgent need for collective action to safeguard the lives and dignity of all Nigerians, ensuring that such gruesome acts never go unpunished.