Lawmakers at the senate
Senate has called on the Federal Government to urgently recruit at least 100,000 additional military personnel as part of measures to confront Nigeria’s escalating security challenges.
The resolution followed a motion raised on Tuesday on the killing of a vice-principal and the abduction of 25 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Zuru Emirate, Kebbi State.
The motion, sponsored by Sen. Abdullahi Yahaya (APC–Kebbi), was adopted during plenary. Yahaya told his colleagues that although there was some level of police presence in the area, it was not enough to stop the terrorists who stormed the school, kidnapped 25 girls, killed the vice-principal, and injured the principal.
He lamented that repeated attacks on schools were eroding public confidence in the education system and discouraging parents from allowing their children to attend classes.
“Unfortunately, this is not unprecedented. In 2022, a similar attack occurred in another government secondary school in Kebbi, and it took four long years for the girls to be safely recovered,” he said.
“Mr President, I am deeply hurt by this recurring menace. The terrorisation of our students, children, and educational institutions must stop immediately.”
Yahaya added that earlier measures—including the temporary closure of schools in high-risk areas—had clearly failed. He urged the federal government and security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the abducted girls, arrest the perpetrators, and ensure justice.
“While we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded principal, I also request this distinguished Senate to observe a minute of silence in honor of the deceased vice-principal,” he said.
“This attack is not only a tragedy for Kebbi State but a wake-up call for the entire nation. A country that cannot secure its children cannot fulfill its obligations to its citizens.”
Other lawmakers expressed anger over the incident, with many questioning whether funds allocated for the Safe School Programme were properly utilised.
Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC–Cross River) described the episode as heartbreaking.
“Schoolchildren, who go to school to learn and develop themselves and their communities, are no longer safe,” he said.
“The Senate must pass a resolution that demands decisive action from security agencies, providing all necessary resources, but also setting clear ultimatum and consequences for failure.”
He stressed that the government’s foremost duty was to protect lives and property, especially those of children.
Sen. Sani Musa (APC–Niger), while acknowledging the efforts of the armed forces, said they were overstretched.
“With a population exceeding 230 million and only 177,000 personnel, it is impossible to cover every area, especially forests and remote regions,” he noted.
He urged communities, traditional leaders, and citizens to work with the government to identify and expose criminal elements.
“Every Nigerian must take the law seriously and partner with the government and security agencies. Repeating motions and committees without action has led to repeated tragedies,” he added.
Following the debate, the Senate set up an ad hoc committee to look into the Safe School Programme, including its funding, spending patterns, and reasons for its apparent failure to secure school environments. The committee includes members from the Committees on Finance, Education, Defence, Army, and Navy.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio condoled with the families of the victims, noting that the country’s vast size had made security operations increasingly difficult.
“Nigeria is a large nation of 36 states and the FCT. Our security agencies are overstretched. Even during elections we cannot post one policeman per polling unit; terrorists often strike in locations that are difficult to predict,” he said.
“No country is free of crime, but our responsibility is to make laws, pass motions, and take decisions that reduce crime to the barest minimum.”
He appealed to the Armed Forces and citizens to support efforts aimed at freeing the abducted students and ensuring justice is served.
The Senate later observed a minute’s silence in honour of the slain vice-principal.
