House of Representatives has called for the immediate rescue of 42 schoolchildren abducted from Mussa Ward in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, North-East Nigeria and demanded urgent measures to strengthen security around schools across the country.
This call followed a motion of urgent public importance by Midala Balami representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency of Borno State, who warned that recurring attacks on schools and communities continue to endanger lives, disrupt education, and weaken public confidence in government efforts to tackle insecurity.
Balami, in his motion expressed concern over the growing cases of abduction of pupils, describing the protection of students, teachers and school communities as a fundamental responsibility of government at all levels.
The lawmaker recalled the 2014 abduction of Chibok schoolgirls, many of who remain missing, as well as the kidnapping of over 400 adults and children from Ngoshe and several abductions along the Biu-Buratai Road and other communities in Borno State.
According to him, persistent attacks on schools have created widespread fear among citizens, negatively affected school enrolment and attendance, and left many families traumatised.
Balami noted that communities were increasingly losing confidence in government responses to insecurity and economic hardship, insisting that citizens now expect concrete action rather than repeated assurances.
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The House in its resolution:
● Asked the executive arm of government and relevant security agencies to take immediate and decisive steps to secure the release of the 42 abducted schoolchildren and all other persons currently being held in captivity across the country.
● Called for enhanced security around schools in Borno State and other vulnerable areas through increased deployment of security personnel, improved intelligence gathering and effective rapid-response mechanisms.
● Lawmakers called for expansion of school protection initiatives, including early warning systems, community-based security arrangements, security awareness programmes and improved surveillance infrastructure around schools.
● Mandated its Committees on National Security, Defence, Basic Education and Legislative Compliance to liaise with relevant security agencies and report back on efforts to rescue the abductees and strengthen school security nationwide.
● Called on the Federal Government to develop and implement a comprehensive Safe Schools Security Framework to safeguard students, teachers and educational institutions from future attacks.
Meanwhile, the Senate has strongly condemned the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, South-West Nigeria describing the incident as a direct assault on the nation’s humanity and collective conscience.
The position of the upper legislative chamber was conveyed by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, during his welcome address at the resumption of plenary.
Akpabio expressed deep concern over the attack on the affected schools and the kidnapping of dozens of pupils and teachers, stressing that the continued captivity of the victims remains a matter of grave national concern.
He called on security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of all kidnapped victims, while urging law enforcement authorities to track down and prosecute those responsible for the attack.
Mourning the victims of the attack, Akpabio paid tribute to two dedicated educators, Michael Oyedokun, who died in captivity, and Adesiyan Adegboye, who lost his life during the attack.
He also lamented the death of a child whose life, he said, was cut short before its full potential could be realised.
The Senate President noted that the grief of the bereaved families is shared by the entire country, adding that despite the tragedy, there remains hope that those still in captivity will be rescued through the determined efforts of government and security agencies.
Akpabio extended condolences to the bereaved families, the affected school community, and the government and people of Oyo State.
He also seized the opportunity to caution politicians and political aspirants against exploiting national tragedies, particularly incidents of kidnapping and insecurity, for political advantage.
He said criminal elements responsible for kidnappings, killings and attacks across the country do not discriminate based on political affiliation, religion or ethnicity, stressing that their actions are directed against Nigeria as a whole.
The President of the Senate urged political leaders to resist the temptation of seeking cheap publicity from the country’s security challenges and instead support collective efforts aimed at addressing insecurity.
According to him, the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality requires national unity, cooperation and unwavering support for lawful measures being implemented by security agencies.
Akpabio emphasised the need to protect schools, communities and vulnerable citizens, while ensuring that those responsible for criminal acts face the full weight of the law.
He acknowledged the gravity of the security situation confronting the country but expressed confidence in the resilience of Nigerians, the commitment of government institutions and the nation’s capacity to overcome the challenges.
Akpabio also called for the speedy conclusion of the Senate’s planned security summit, which has already commenced in parts of the federation.
He urged the Senate leadership and the Clerk of the Senate to fix a date for the summit to enable lawmakers engage in deeper discussions and contribute recommendations that could strengthen ongoing security operations.
Akpabio maintained that despite differing political opinions, Nigerians must remain united in their commitment to the country’s peace, security and development.
He expressed optimism that through collective resolve, faith and determination, Nigeria would emerge stronger from its current security challenges.
Akpabio subsequently called on lawmakers to observe a minute of silence in honour of victims of recent security setbacks.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
