The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently secure the release of 42 schoolchildren abducted from Mussa Ward in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The lawmakers also urged the government to establish a comprehensive national framework aimed at protecting schools and educational institutions across the country from attacks.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance presented on Tuesday by the member representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, Midala Balami.
While presenting the motion, Balami expressed concern over the abduction and the increasing pattern of attacks on schools and communities, warning that the situation poses a serious threat to education, public safety, and national security.
According to him, ensuring the safety of pupils, students, teachers, and school communities remains a core responsibility of government at all levels.
The lawmaker recalled previous mass abductions in Borno State, including the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls' kidnapping, many of whom remain unaccounted for, as well as attacks on communities such as Ngoshe and areas along the Biu-Buratai Road.
He noted that repeated attacks on schools continue to disrupt education, endanger lives, traumatise families, and weaken public confidence in the government's ability to provide security.
Balami further warned that insecurity has created fear among residents and contributed to declining school enrolment and attendance in affected communities.
He said the situation highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to protect schools, restore confidence among citizens, and ensure the safe return of all abducted victims.
The lawmaker also pointed to growing frustration among Nigerians over the country's security challenges, noting that many communities are now demanding visible results rather than repeated assurances.
“Communities are increasingly losing confidence in government responses to insecurity and economic hardship and are demanding concrete action,” he said.
Following deliberations, the House adopted the motion and urged the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to rescue the abducted children and other victims still in captivity.
Lawmakers also called for enhanced security around schools in Borno State and other vulnerable areas through increased deployment of security personnel, improved intelligence gathering, and effective rapid-response mechanisms.
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The House further recommended the expansion of school protection initiatives, including early warning systems, community-based security arrangements, surveillance infrastructure, and security awareness programmes.
In addition, the House directed its Committees on National Security, Defence, Basic Education, and Legislative Compliance to engage relevant security agencies and report on efforts being made to rescue the abductees and strengthen school security nationwide.
The lawmakers also called for the development and implementation of a comprehensive Safe Schools Security Framework to better protect students, teachers, and educational institutions from future attacks.
Balami stressed that the safety of children and the protection of education must remain a national priority.
“Our children deserve to learn in an environment free from fear, and citizens deserve the assurance that government will act decisively to protect lives and property. The time for action is now,” he said.
