The Senate has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to authorize the immediate recruitment of at least 100,000 additional military personnel to reinforce Nigeria’s security architecture amid escalating nationwide insecurity.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Abdullahi Yahaya (Kebbi North), who drew attention to the latest attack in Kebbi South Senatorial District.
Armed terrorists invaded a girls’ secondary school, abducting 25 students and brutally injuring the school’s principal.
Condemning the incident as “a slap on the face of our nation,” Yahaya lamented that the wave of school attacks continues to endanger citizens and discourages young girls from pursuing education.
He recalled a similar 2022 abduction in the state, where victims were held for four years before being rescued.
“This terrorism targeting our students must stop,” the senator declared, urging security agencies to swiftly hunt down the perpetrators and ensure justice is served. He appealed to President Tinubu to deploy all necessary measures to secure the affected communities.
In response to the tragic incident, the Senate also constituted an ad hoc committee, working alongside the Committee on Finance, to probe the funding, implementation, and effectiveness of the Safe School Initiative.
Lawmakers questioned whether the substantial funds allocated for school security were properly utilized, given the reemergence of attacks on educational institutions.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the recurring school abductions as deeply troubling, recalling the infamous Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping in 2014 that shook global confidence in Nigeria’s security.
He warned that these fresh assaults come at a time when the international community is closely watching Nigeria’s efforts to curb insecurity.
The Senate observed a minute of silence for Malam Hassan Makuku, the school’s Vice Principal, who was killed while shielding students during the attack.
Schoolgirls Abducted, Vice Principal Murdered
According to Channels Television, armed bandits stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Danko/Wasagu LGA, on Sunday night, abducting 25 students.
The attackers reportedly operated unchallenged, plunging the community into grief and fear. Vice Principal Makuku was shot dead in a heroic attempt to protect the students.
FG Condemns Attack, Pledges Swift Rescue Operation
The Federal Government has strongly condemned the attack, assuring families that all abducted girls will be rescued. In a statement on Monday, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said President Tinubu has directed security and intelligence agencies to act decisively, locate the victims, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The government reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding all Nigerians, especially schoolchildren.
Governor Idris Visits Community, Reassures Parents
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris visited Maga on Monday, meeting privately with security officials, traditional rulers, and grieving parents. He assured families that every effort is underway to rescue their children.
“The unfortunate thing has happened—they have abducted our children,” he said. “We came here to see for ourselves, to meet with the parents, and to assure them that we will do everything possible to ensure their safe return. We want them to remain confident. Security agencies are fully mobilized.”
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