The minority caucus in the House of Representatives has raised serious concerns about the escalating insecurity across Nigeria, calling for immediate and decisive action from the government. In a statement released on Monday, Kingsley Chinda, the leader of the caucus, expressed alarm over the increasing frequency of kidnappings, particularly on the country’s highways, which have left citizens living in fear.
Chinda highlighted a series of recent abductions, including the kidnapping of 29 medical students in Benue by gunmen while they were en route to a conference. The lawmakers described this incident as a direct threat to the future of education and healthcare in Nigeria. “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 emphasized.
The caucus also condemned the kidnapping of Isa Muhammad Bawa, the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa district in Sokoto, and his son, labeling it as an affront to Nigeria’s traditional institutions. The killing of Tanimu Kunbiya, the Gara of Chanchanji, and his son Yusuf in Taraba State was cited as further evidence of the deteriorating security situation in the country.
“The alarming rate at 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 stated. They highlighted that no region in the country currently appears safe, making it difficult for citizens to live securely, pursue economic activities, and contribute to national growth.
The legislators specifically criticized the current state of Nigeria’s interstate highways, which they described as "deathtraps" where kidnappers and other criminal elements operate with impunity. They pointed to the recent abduction of Anambra State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Mba, and his wife in Kogi State as further proof of the dire situation. Although the commissioner and his wife were eventually released, the caucus noted that the incident underscores the pervasive insecurity facing the nation.
“These incidents are not isolated; they represent a broader, more concerning trend of increasing lawlessness and insecurity in our country,” the statement continued. The caucus warned that the frequency and audacity of these attacks suggest a complete breakdown in Nigeria’s security architecture, which cannot be ignored or dismissed.
In their statement, the lawmakers called on security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), to “change their tactics of engagement and act swiftly and decisively.” They stressed the need for the immediate and safe rescue of kidnapped citizens and the urgent prosecution of the perpetrators.
The caucus also urged the government to prioritize the safety of all Nigerians, warning that the nation is on the brink of anarchy if criminals are allowed to operate with impunity. They called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security strategy, emphasizing the importance of intelligence gathering, improved coordination among security agencies, and the implementation of community-based security measures involving local leaders and stakeholders.
In a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu, the minority caucus urged him to “wake up” to his responsibilities and declare a state of emergency in the security sector, asserting that the time for rhetoric has passed and that immediate action is now required.
