Niger School Abduction: Lawmakers Declare “No Child Should Face Terrorist Threats”

Table of Contents

• Condemnation of Abduction
• Joint Statement from Lawmakers
• Solidarity with Victims
• Reflection of Insecurity
• Calls to Action
• Advice for Residents
• Signatories

Lawmakers from Niger State in the National Assembly have denounced the kidnapping of students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, labeling the incident as yet another troubling sign of the escalating insecurity in the state and throughout northern Nigeria.

In a collective statement released in Abuja, the caucus expressed their alarm over the event, where armed assailants abducted numerous pupils, teachers, and a security guard. The count of missing children continues to increase as search and rescue efforts broaden, leading to widespread public indignation.

The lawmakers expressed their support for Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the state government, and the families of the abducted children, emphasizing that “no child in Niger State should be left vulnerable to criminal elements.”

“As representatives of the people of Niger State, we condemn this attack and reaffirm our dedication to collaborating with security agencies to guarantee the safe and prompt return of the abducted students,” the statement articulated.

They noted that this recent assault illustrates the intensifying insecurity within the state, which encompasses banditry, mass abductions, terrorism, and communal strife. They asserted that this situation reflects a broader national security crisis that necessitates coordinated and persistent action at all government levels.

The caucus called for a heightened military presence in at-risk communities, enhanced intelligence gathering, improved inter-agency collaboration, and increased Federal Government support for the ongoing initiatives of the Bago administration.

They vowed to continue engaging with federal authorities to ensure that Niger State is prioritized, to advocate for more funding and personnel for security agencies, and to pursue legislative measures aimed at enhancing national security.

Residents are advised to remain calm and vigilant as security operations proceed.

The statement was endorsed by Senators Mohammed Sani Musa, Abubakar Sani Bello, and Peter Jiya, along with House members Abdullahi Idris Garba, Shehu Saleh Rijau, Abdullahi Mamudu, Saidu Musa Abdullahi, Jafaru Mohammed, Yusuf Kure Baraje, Joshua Audu Gana, Ismaila Musa Modibbo, Adamu Tanko, and Abubakar Abdu Buba.