The House of Representatives has expressed deep concern over the recent abduction of 42 students in Mussa Ward, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, calling for urgent measures to secure their release and strengthen protection for schools across the country.
The concern was raised during plenary on Tuesday following the consideration of a motion of urgent public importance presented by a lawmaker from Borno State.
While presenting the motion, the lawmaker stressed that the protection of students, teachers, and educational institutions remains a fundamental responsibility of government at all levels. He noted that recurring attacks on schools and communities continue to threaten access to education, endanger lives, traumatise families, and undermine public confidence in the government’s ability to provide security.
The House recalled previous incidents of mass abductions and attacks in Borno State, including the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping and other abductions in communities across the state, many of whose victims are yet to regain their freedom.
Lawmakers expressed concern that persistent insecurity has created fear among residents, negatively affecting school enrolment and attendance in vulnerable communities. They warned that continued attacks on educational institutions could further disrupt learning and social development.
The House emphasized the need for coordinated and decisive action to safeguard schools, restore public confidence, and secure the release of all abducted persons.
Members also noted growing frustration among communities over insecurity and economic hardship, stressing that citizens are demanding practical solutions and visible action rather than repeated assurances.
Following deliberations, the House urged the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts toward rescuing the 42 abducted students and all other persons currently held captive, with a view to reuniting them with their families.
The lawmakers further called for improved security around schools in Borno State and other high-risk areas through increased deployment of security personnel, enhanced intelligence gathering, and effective rapid-response mechanisms.
They also advocated the expansion of school protection programmes, including early warning systems, community-based security initiatives, security awareness campaigns, and improved surveillance infrastructure.
In addition, the House urged the Federal Government to develop and implement a comprehensive Safe Schools Security Framework aimed at protecting students, teachers, and educational institutions from future attacks.
Relevant committees of the House were mandated to engage with security agencies and report back on efforts being made to rescue the abducted students and improve security around schools nationwide.
