By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Senate summons security chiefs to address rising insecurity
In response to escalating security challenges, the Senate has called upon military and security agencies for immediate action. The Senate specifically urged these agencies to conduct targeted operations to dismantle banditry in the North-West and other affected regions of Nigeria. Additionally, the Service Chiefs have been requested to provide a comprehensive briefing in a closed session regarding measures being taken to mitigate the surge in insecurity. These resolutions were prompted by the motion titled “Kidnapping of university students in Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State,” sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua.*
Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC – Katsina) expressed deep concern over the recent abduction of five female students from the Federal University Dutsinma in Katsina State on October 4. He pointed out that just two weeks prior, 24 students from the Federal University of Gusau were also kidnapped. Thankfully, a rescue operation by security agencies successfully freed 16 of them after three days. Yar’Adua highlighted the resulting panic within the academic communities and called attention to the kidnapping of eight corps members en route to an orientation camp in Zamfara State on August 21.
This worrisome pattern of kidnapping for ransom has become an almost daily occurrence in major towns and communities across the North-West geopolitical zone. The Senate urgently called for enhanced proactivity from security agencies to ensure the safe release of all kidnapped victims, including students from Katsina, NYSC members from Zamfara, and those from the Federal University of Gusau.
Furthermore, the Senate implored the Federal Government to address the critical manpower needs of the police and other security agencies, essential for effectively combating the prevailing security challenges. It emphasized the pressing need to tackle unemployment and poverty, identifying them as twin catalysts fueling insecurity in the country.
In a bid to provide a secure environment for students and educators, the Nigeria Police were directed to demonstrate unwavering commitment through their school protection squad. This initiative aims to foster an atmosphere where teaching and learning can transpire without the looming threat of attacks or abductions.
The Senate’s Committee on Legislative Compliance has been tasked with ensuring that relevant security agencies adhere to these resolutions, further underscoring the gravity of the situation.