Senate urges FG to rescue 25 abducted students, boost military, probe Safe School Fund

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — The Senate has called on President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to urgently secure the release of 25 students abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.

In addition, the Senate urged the President, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to authorize the recruitment of at least 100,000 additional military personnel, fully trained and equipped, to address the rising security challenges in the country.

The Upper Chamber also resolved to set up an Ad Hoc Committee, comprising members of the Finance, Education, Defence, Army, and Navy committees, to investigate the Safe School Programme, including its funding, expenditure, and the reasons for its inability to secure schools effectively.

The Senate observed a minute of silence in honor of the vice principal who was killed during the attack and prayed for the recovery of the principal and any students still in captivity.

The resolutions followed an urgent motion by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (APC, Kebbi North), who highlighted the attack on the school in Maga, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, in which terrorists abducted 25 students, killed the vice principal, and injured the principal. Abdullahi described the attack as part of a recurring pattern of assaults on educational institutions, noting that similar incidents have occurred in the state before.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio said no country is free of crime, including the United States, stressing the need for national synergy to combat terrorism. “Terrorism is terrorism, regardless of where it occurs. Our responsibility is to make laws and take decisions that reduce crime to the minimum,” he said. Akpabio urged citizens with useful information to assist security agencies in securing the release of the abducted students and ensuring justice for the victims.

Senators also expressed concern over the overstretch of security forces. Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) highlighted that with over 230 million Nigerians and 177,000 security personnel, coverage of remote areas is limited, emphasizing the need for community involvement and accountability.

Senator Mohammed Tahir Munguno (APC, Borno North) called for decisive action to restore public confidence, while Senator Francis Fadahunsi (APC, Osun East) stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among the army, air force, and police to prevent future attacks.

Senator Asuqo Ekpeyong (APC, Cross River South) said the Senate must set clear ultimatums and consequences for security agencies failing to protect citizens, emphasizing that safeguarding the lives of schoolchildren is a primary government responsibility.

The Senate’s collective message underscores the urgency of rescuing the abducted students, strengthening the military, and ensuring accountability in school safety programs.

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