The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Government to strengthen security around schools in Borno State and other vulnerable parts of the country through enhanced deployment of security personnel, improved intelligence gathering, and effective rapid-response mechanisms.
It also urged the Federal Government and all relevant security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to rescue the forty-two abducted school children from Mussa Ward, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, as well as all other persons currently held in captivity, and reunite them with their families.
The lawmakers also encouraged the expansion and strengthening of school protection initiatives, including the establishment of early warning systems, community-based security arrangements, security awareness programmes, and improved surveillance infrastructure around schools.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on the need for the immediate rescue of the 42 Mussa Ward School children in the Askira-Uba local government area and other abductees and the strengthening of security around schools in Nigeria, moved by Mr Midala Usman Balami.
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While leading the debate on the motion, Mr Usman called on the Federal Government to strengthen security around schools in Borno State and other vulnerable parts of the country through enhanced deployment of security personnel, improved intelligence gathering, and effective rapid-response mechanisms.
“Notes with deep concern the reported abduction of 42 school children from Mussa Ward in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
“Also notes that the protection of pupils, students, educational personnel, and school communities is a fundamental responsibility of government at all levels.
“Recalls the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014, many of whom remain unaccounted for to this day, as well as the abduction of over 400 adults and children from Ngoshe and numerous persons along the Biu-Buratai Road and other communities in Borno State, many of whom remain in captivity.
“Concerned that the recurring attacks on schools and communities continue to threaten access to education, endanger lives, traumatise families, disrupt livelihoods, and undermine public confidence in the capacity of government to guarantee security.
“Further concerned that persistent insecurity has contributed to widespread fear among citizens and has negatively affected school enrolment and attendance in vulnerable communities,” the motion said.
Balami said, “We are aware of the urgent need for decisive and coordinated action to safeguard schools, restore public confidence, and secure the release of all abducted persons.
“Communities are increasingly losing confidence in government responses to insecurity and economic hardship and are demanding visible and concrete actions rather than repeated assurances.”
He added that, “The safety of our children and the protection of education must remain a national priority. Our children deserve to learn in an environment free from fear, and our citizens deserve the assurance that government will act decisively to protect lives and property. The time for action is now.”
The House mandated the relevant House Committees on National Security, Defence, Basic Education, and Legislative Compliance to liaise with the appropriate security agencies and report back to the House on measures taken to rescue the abductees and improve security around schools nationwide.
