The minority caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed grave concern over the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, citing a series of recent kidnappings and killings that have left citizens living in fear.
In a statement issued on Monday, Kingsley Chinda, leader of the caucus, condemned the “frequent” abductions of travelers on highways, including the recent kidnapping of 29 medical students in Benue, who were on their way to a conference. The lawmakers warned that this incident threatens the future of education and healthcare in the country.
“These young men and women, dedicated to pursuing knowledge and bettering the lives of their fellow Nigerians, must not be left to suffer in the hands of criminals,” the statement reads.
The legislators also said the killing of Tanimu Kunbiya, the Gara of Chanchanji, and his son Yusuf, in Taraba state, shows a total breakdown of security in the nation.
“The alarming rate in which criminals have seized our nation by the jugular, casting doubts on the capacity of the nation-state to defend itself and protect citizens calls for serious concerns,” the caucus said.
The lawmakers called on security agencies to change their tactics and act swiftly to rescue kidnapped citizens and bring perpetrators to justice. They urged the government to prioritize the safety of all Nigerians and invest in intelligence gathering, improve coordination among security agencies, and implement community-based security strategies.
The caucus also asked President Bola Tinubu to “wake up” to his responsibilities of protecting lives and families and declare a state of emergency in the security sector.
“The time for rhetoric is over; now is the time for action. As leaders, we must take responsibility and work collaboratively to restore peace and security across Nigeria,” the caucus said.
