Senate Urges Tinubu To Rescue 25 Abducted Kebbi Students, Calls For Military Expansion And School Security Review

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

In a resolution passed yesterday, the Upper Chamber also urged President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to recruit at least 100,000 additional military personnel, fully trained and equipped, to tackle rising security challenges and support Nigeria’s growing population.

The Senate further resolved to establish an Ad Hoc Committee comprising the Finance, Education, Defence, Army, and Navy committees to investigate the Safe School Programme, reviewing its funding, expenditure, and effectiveness in securing schools.

The Upper Chamber observed a minute of silence in honor of the vice principal killed in the attack and prayed for the swift recovery of the principal and any students still in captivity.

The resolutions followed an urgent motion sponsored by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (APC, Kebbi North), who detailed the attack in Maga, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area. Despite some police presence, terrorists abducted 25 students, killed the vice principal, and wounded the principal. Abdullahi recalled similar attacks in Kebbi, including a 2022 incident where abducted girls were held for four years before rescue.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio condemned the attack, stressing that no country is free of crime. “Terrorism is terrorism. Our responsibility is to make laws, pass motions, and take decisions that reduce crime,” he said, urging Nigerians to provide information to security agencies to facilitate the students’ release.

Senators highlighted the need for coordinated action to address insecurity. Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) noted that with only 177,000 security personnel for over 230 million Nigerians, coverage is limited, calling for greater involvement of communities, traditional rulers, and citizens.

Senator Mohammed Tahir Munguno (APC, Borno North) urged parliamentary support for the President’s directives, while Senator Francis Fadahunsi (APC, Osun East) emphasized enhanced coordination among security agencies. Senator Asuqo Ekpeyong (APC, Cross River South) called for decisive action, clear ultimatums, and accountability for security failures to protect schoolchildren and communities.