The Nigerian Senate has called on the federal government to urgently recruit at least an additional 100,000 military personnel to address the escalating security challenges across the country.
This appeal came after a motion was adopted regarding the tragic killing of the vice-principal and the abduction of 25 students from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, located within the Zuru emirate of Kebbi State.
The motion, sponsored by Senator Abdulahi Yahaya (APC-Kebbi), was presented during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Mr Yahaya stated in his motion that despite the presence of some police, it proved inadequate as terrorists stormed the school, resulting in the abduction of 25 young girls, the murder of the vice-principal, and injuries to the principal.
He described the abduction of schoolgirls as a disgrace to the nation, emphasising that the ongoing attacks by terrorist groups on educational institutions not only jeopardise the quality of education but also deter parents from sending their children to school.
“Regrettably, this is not an isolated incident. A similar attack occurred in another government secondary school in Kebbi in 2022, and it took four long years for the girls to be safely recovered.
“Previous security measures, including temporary closures of schools in affected areas, were insufficient to prevent this latest attack.
“I implore the federal government and all security agencies to take immediate action to rescue the abducted girls and apprehend the terrorists responsible,” Mr Yahaya asserted.
He also urged the Senate to observe a minute of silence in honour of the deceased vice-principal, stating that the attack serves as a wake-up call.
Calling upon the president and security agencies to ensure the release of the schoolgirls, he remarked, “A nation that cannot secure its children cannot fulfil its obligations to its citizens.”
Lawmakers expressed their outrage over this heinous act, questioning whether funds allocated for securing school environments had been properly utilised.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River) described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy, stating, “Schoolchildren, who attend school to learn and better themselves and their communities, are no longer safe.”
“The Senate must pass a resolution demanding decisive action from security agencies, providing all necessary resources, while also establishing clear ultimatums and consequences for inaction.”
Senator Sani Musa (APC-Niger), while acknowledging the efforts of the armed forces, noted that they appeared overwhelmed.
“With a population exceeding 230 million and only 177,000 personnel, it is impossible to cover every area, particularly forests and remote regions.
“We must reconsider 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 stated.
In its resolution, the Senate established an ad hoc committee to investigate the Safe School Programme.
This committee, which will include members from finance, education, defence, the army, and the navy, is tasked with examining the Safe School Programme, including its funding, expenditure, and the reasons behind its failure to secure schools.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, expressed sympathy for the families of the victims.
“Nigeria is a vast nation with 36 states and the FCT. Our security agencies are overstretched. Even during elections, we cannot assign one policeman per polling unit; terrorists often strike in unpredictable locations.
“No country is free from crime, but our duty is to enact laws, pass motions, and make decisions that minimise crime to the greatest extent possible.
“We urge the armed forces and all Nigerians with pertinent information to assist in securing the release of these children and ensuring justice for the victims,” Mr Akpabio concluded.
The Senate then observed a minute’s silence in honour of the victims.
