The 9th Senate, has on Wednesday, during plenary, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency on security in the country, without any further delay, .
The Senate made the call, following a point of order by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger-East), on the abduction of Students and Staff of the Government Science Secondary School, in Kagara, Niger State, in the early hours of Wednesday.
Senator Musa informed the Red Chamber that the terrorists who whisked their victims away, were dressed in Military uniforms.
He said that the actual number of Students abducted was yet not known, but added that the School has over 1,000 Students.
The Senator stated that Security Agencies had explained that they are on the trail of the criminals.
The Senate demanded for the implementation of its Ad hoc Resolution on Security, and urged the combined team of the Military and Police, to set up an operation to destroy criminal camps across the country.
Senator Sabi Abdullahi, also from Niger State, said that the kidnappers and bandits were emboldened by the successes being recorded in the State in recent time, as about 100 people had so far been kidnapped in the State.
He stated that the forest from the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, which extends to Niger State, up to Zamfara State, is being used by the criminals.
He said that the fact that the bandits have invaded Niger State, is an indication that the safety of lives and properties of FCT residents is being threatened.
Senator Bima Enagi, also from Niger State, declared that the President Buhari government is incompetent to handle the security challenges in the country.
He said: “We need to amend the Constitution, so that Governors should be Chief Security Officers of their States, since the government at the centre has failed to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians.
“The Federal Government is busy giving palliatives, instead of creating employment, thus aggravating insecurity.”
The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, described the kidnap of the Students as unfortunate.
He, however, said that the Security Agencies have challenges with personnel and funds.
He stated: “Abduction of Students from School happens in the Northern part of Nigeria.
“With incidences like this, parents would be scared to take their wards to School, and the efforts of the past and by present Leaders at providing education, would be defeated.
“Service Chiefs have to secure the Schools, and have to carry the States along.”
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