- Insecurity: Senate Commend Tinubu for Swift Rescue Efforts
- The Senate warned that internal collaborators may be assisting criminal groups with information and escape routes
- Lawmakers also recognised the efforts of affected communities and local vigilante groups
The Senate has praised President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies for the swift rescue of several kidnapped victims in Kwara and Niger states, while raising fresh concerns over escalating attacks on schools and places of worship across the country.
Eko Hot Blog reports that this followed the adoption of a motion sponsored 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.”
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Senator Yisa said he was deeply troubled by the recent incident at Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, where armed individuals took the lives of two worshippers and abducted 38 others. All the abducted persons have since been rescued.
He also expressed concern over reports that military personnel were withdrawn from a school in Kebbi shortly before an attack, urging a thorough and transparent investigation.
The Senate warned that internal collaborators may be assisting criminal groups with information and escape routes. It further noted that criminals continued to use forest corridors along the Kwara Kogi axis, the Kebbi Zamfara route, and communities around Shiroro, Rafi, and Munya in Niger State.
Lawmakers highlighted the vulnerability of communities such as Eruku, Isapa, and Koro where a retired Army general and traditional ruler was recently killed and condemned the poor condition of the Idofian Omu Aran Eruku Egbe Kabba road, which they said had become an easy passageway for criminals.
The Senate commended President Tinubu for what it described as decisive leadership, including his decision to cancel foreign engagements to oversee rescue operations.
It urged security agencies to sustain intelligence led operations across the affected states and called for the establishment of a Joint Task Force for the Kwara Kogi corridor, with operational bases in Eruku, Babanla, Oke Ero, and Isanlu.
Lawmakers also recognised the efforts of affected communities and local vigilante groups and encouraged residents to remain alert and help prevent internal collaboration with criminal groups.
After a two minute silence held in honour of the victims, the Senate directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and NEMA to support affected families and schools that were forced to shut down.
The chamber also resolved to engage the United States and other international partners for enhanced intelligence and counter terrorism support.
Recent incidents include the abduction of 24 students from a school hostel in Kebbi, the kidnapping of 38 worshippers during a church service in Eruku, and a mass abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, where over 300 pupils and staff were taken, sparking nationwide concern and renewed demands for stronger security measures.
