Reps urge Tinubu to intensify fight against banditry, kidnappings

The House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to adopt a more comprehensive and aggressive security strategy to tackle banditry, terrorism and kidnapping across the country.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Ibe Osonwa, who represents Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State, during plenary on Tuesday.

The motion, titled “A Call for Immediate Executive Action on the Surge in Banditry, the Daily Abduction of Schoolchildren and the Perilous Security Situation in Nigerian Schools and Places of Worship,” highlighted growing concerns over insecurity nationwide.

Presenting the motion, Osonwa cited increasing incidents of kidnappings, bandit attacks, terrorism and violence against vulnerable communities. He reminded the Federal Government of its constitutional obligation to protect lives and property, referencing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

The lawmaker expressed concern over repeated attacks on schools, noting that the abduction of students in several parts of the country had disrupted education and worsened the out-of-school children crisis.

According to him, many children have been forced out of classrooms due to fears of insecurity, while families continue to grapple with the trauma of kidnappings.

Osonwa also raised concerns about attacks on places of worship, saying worshippers increasingly face security threats while carrying out religious activities

He further noted that insecurity has negatively affected economic activities, with businesses shutting down, farming communities being displaced and many families pushed into hardship.

The lawmaker argued that current security efforts appear insufficient to effectively curb the activities of criminal groups and warned that continued attacks could erode public confidence in the government’s ability to maintain security.

Following deliberations, the House condemned the persistent incidents of banditry, mass abductions and attacks on schools and places of worship across the country.

The lawmakers resolved to convey an urgent appeal to President Tinubu, urging him, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to take decisive action to protect Nigerians and secure vulnerable communities.

They called for the immediate implementation of a comprehensive security strategy aimed at dismantling criminal networks, improving the safety of schools and places of worship, and securing the release of victims held by criminal groups.

The House also directed its Committees on Defence, National Security and Intelligence, and Army to intensify oversight of security operations and report back within two weeks for further legislative action.