The Nigerian Senate has urged the federal government urgently recruit at least an additional 100,000 military personnel to curb security challenges across the country.
This followed the adoption of a motion on the killing of the vice principal and abduction of 25 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in the Zuru emirate of Kebbi State.
The motion was sponsored by Senator Abdulahi Yahaya (APC-Kebbi) at Tuesday’s plenary.
Mr Yahaya, in his motion, said that despite some police presence, which proved insufficient, the terrorists invaded the school, abducting 25 young girls, killing the vice-principal, and wounding the principal.
He said such abduction of schoolgirls was a slap in the face of the nation, noting that the continued attacks by terrorist groups on educational institutions not only undermined the quality of education but also discouraged parents from sending their children to school.
“Unfortunately, this is not unprecedented. In 2022, a similar attack occurred in another government secondary school in Kebbi, and it took four long years for the girls to be safely recovered.
“Security measures previously taken, including temporary school closures in the affected areas, were not enough to prevent this latest attack.
“I urge the federal government and all security agencies to take immediate action to rescue the abducted girls and apprehend the terrorists responsible,” Mr Yahaya said.
He urged the Senate to observe a minute of silence in honor of the deceased vice-principal, saying the attack is a wake-up call.
Urging the president and security agencies to ensure the release of the schoolgirls, he said, “A country that cannot secure its children cannot fulfill its obligations to its citizens.”
Lawmakers who expressed outrage over the dastardly act noted that the renewed assault on schools raises questions about whether funds allocated to securing school environments were properly utilised.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River) described the incident as a heartbreaking, gut-wrenching tragedy, saying, “Schoolchildren, who go to school to learn and develop themselves and their communities, are no longer safe.”
“The Senate must pass a resolution that demands decisive action from security agencies, providing all necessary resources, but also setting a clear ultimatum and consequences for failure.”
Senator Sani Musa (APC-Niger), while commending the armed forces for their efforts, observed that they were overwhelmed.
“With a population exceeding 230 million and only 177,000 personnel, it is impossible to cover every area, especially forests and remote regions.
“We must rethink our approach. Traditional rulers, communities, and individuals must play a proactive role. We need to identify and expose those responsible for these crimes, at every level, and ensure accountability,” Mr Sani said.
In its resolution, the Senate constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the Safe School Programme.
The committee, which comprises finance, education, defence, army, and navy is to investigate the Safe School Programme, including funding, expenditure, and the reasons for its failure to secure schools.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, sympathised with the families of the victims.
“Nigeria is a large nation of 36 states and the FCT. Our security agencies are overstretched. Even during elections, we cannot post one policeman per polling unit; terrorists often strike in locations that are difficult to predict.
“No country is free of crime, but our responsibility is to make laws, pass motions, and take decisions that reduce crime to the barest minimum.
“We urge the armed forces and all Nigerians with useful information to assist in securing the release of these children and ensuring justice for the victims,” said Mr Akpabio.
The Senate thereafter observed a one-minute silence in honour of the victims.
(NAN)