The Senate on Wednesday praised President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies for the rapid rescue of dozens of kidnap victims in Kwara and Niger states, warning that attacks on schools and places of worship had reached a troubling level.
The commendation followed the adoption of a motion by Senator Asiru Yisa (Kwara South) titled “Urgent Need to Address Escalating Insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States – Call for Immediate and Comprehensive Federal Intervention.”
Yisa expressed deep concern over the attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, where gunmen killed two worshippers and abducted 38 others all of whom have since been rescued.
He also questioned the reported withdrawal of military personnel from a Kebbi school just hours before another bandit attack, calling for a transparent investigation.
According to him, “Credible reports indicate military personnel were withdrawn from the affected Kebbi school shortly before the bandits struck. This raises serious questions that require urgent and transparent inquiry.”
The Senate further cautioned that internal collaborators continued to aid bandits with logistics and escape routes. It also noted the exploitation of porous forest corridors, including the Kwara–Kogi axis, Kebbi–Zamfara route, and the Shiroro–Rafi–Munya belt in Niger State.
Communities such as Eruku, Isapa, and Koro where a retired Army general and traditional ruler was recently killed were identified as particularly vulnerable.
Lawmakers also condemned the deteriorating Idofian–Omu-Aran–Eruku–Egbe–Kabba highway, describing it as a convenient escape route for criminals.
The Senate applauded Tinubu’s “exemplary leadership and swift response” to the recent attacks, noting his decision to cancel foreign engagements to oversee rescue operations.
It urged the army, police, DSS, and Defence Intelligence Bureau to intensify intelligence-led operations and called for the creation of a Joint Task Force for the Kwara–Kogi corridor, with bases in Eruku, Babanla, Oke-Ero, and Isanlu.
Lawmakers acknowledged the resilience of affected communities and the efforts of local vigilante groups, while encouraging residents to stay alert and resist internal collaborators.
A two-minute silence was held for victims, after which the Senate mandated the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and NEMA to assist displaced families and communities where schools have been shut due to insecurity.
The chamber also resolved to seek intelligence and counter-terrorism support from the United States and allied parliaments.
Recent attacks include the abduction of 24 female students from a Kebbi school hostel, the kidnapping of 38 worshippers during a church vigil in Eruku, and the seizure of more than 300 pupils and teachers at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State incidents that have drawn widespread outrage.
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