The Senate has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies for their swift action in rescuing abducted schoolgirls in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States.
The commendation followed a motion on the urgent need to address escalating insecurity in the affected states and across the country.
Presenting the motion, the sponsor, Senator Oyilola Ashiru from Kwara South, urged the President and security agencies to sustain coordinated operations until all abducted persons nationwide are rescued and the perpetrators apprehended.
Several senators, including Barau Jibrin, Muhammad Tahir Monguno, and Majority Leader Michael Bamidele, also praised the efforts that led to the quick rescue, as highlighted by Chief Whip Muhammad Tahir Monguno during his contribution.
” I wish to align my self with the submission of previous speakers for the swift action in rescuing the abducted school girls and opposed to what happened during the abduction of Chibok school girls”
However, some senators raised a fundamental question on why the military left the Maga school in kebbi and shortly after the bandits attacked, the Senate President Godswil Akpabio explained the scenario during the session as a vital information to share with the Senate.
” Security sources said solders went to the school they trained the children how to defend themselves when the bandits came, I have pictures that shows student at the school foot ball field but around 4:30 am when the solders left the school and then bandits attacked”
Similarly, Senator Ayinnaya Abaribe expressed his deep concern over this ugly situation and nothing has been done up to the moment rather than making comments.
Senators like Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako and Senator Ayinnaya Abaribe said it is not the right time to be blaming the past leaders rather concentrate more on how to address the problems of escalating insecurity now.
Meanwhile, some Senators such as Senator Garba Maidoki suggested that we should address the situation ones and for all.
“if we are to fight these bandits let us do it or if we are to negotiate with them let us do it and solve the problems ones and for all.”
Senator Oyilola Ashiru in the motion Observed that criminals continue to exploit porous forest corridors including the Kwara–Kogi axis, Kebbi–Zamfara corridor, and Niger’s Shiroro–Rafi–Munya region, complicating rescue missions and inter-state security coordination.
The motion suggested that the senate should investigate the sudden withdrawal of military personnel from the Kebbi school shortly before the bandits’ invasion.
The Senate has finally resolved to classify kidnapping as an act of terrorism, stipulating that an amendment to the Terrorism Act be made to impose the maximum penalty of death.
It also urged the red chamber to strengthen cooperation on intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism training, and technological support in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Cov/Bashir M
