The House of Representatives has urged President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts to tackle the country’s worsening security challenges by deploying a robust strategy aimed at dismantling bandit and kidnapping networks operating across Nigeria.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance presented during Tuesday’s plenary by Hon. Ibe Osonwa, representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in Abia State.
Presenting the motion, Osonwa expressed concern over the increasing incidents of banditry, kidnappings and attacks on schools, places of worship and vulnerable communities across the country.
“The Federal Government has a constitutional responsibility to guarantee the security and welfare of citizens,” Osonwa said. “The current wave of insecurity continues to threaten lives, disrupt education and undermine public confidence.”
The lawmaker noted that repeated attacks on schools have worsened the country’s out-of-school children crisis, with many parents reluctant to send their children to school due to fears of abduction.
“Thousands of children have been forced away from classrooms because of insecurity, while many families remain traumatised by the abduction of their loved ones,” he stated.
Osonwa also raised concerns about attacks on religious centres, warning that criminal groups are increasingly targeting places traditionally regarded as safe spaces.
“Worshippers now face the risk of attacks and abductions while exercising their constitutional right to freedom of religion,” he said.
He further highlighted the economic impact of insecurity, noting that farming communities have been abandoned, businesses have closed and many households have been pushed into hardship as they struggle to secure the release of kidnapped relatives.
Questioning the effectiveness of the nation’s security architecture despite significant funding, Osonwa argued that existing responses appear insufficient to contain criminal activities.
“The inability to decisively confront these threats creates the impression that criminal groups are gaining ground in parts of the country,” he warned.
Following deliberations, lawmakers unanimously condemned the continued attacks, mass abductions and banditry affecting communities nationwide.
The House subsequently appealed to President Tinubu, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to implement an aggressive and comprehensive security plan aimed at eliminating criminal hideouts, protecting schools and places of worship and securing the release of citizens held captive by armed groups.
The lawmakers also maintained that if the security situation fails to improve within a reasonable period, the nation’s service chiefs should take responsibility for the outcome.
“The primary purpose of government is the protection of lives and property. Those entrusted with that responsibility must be held accountable,” the House resolved.
In addition, the House mandated its Committees on Defence, National Security and Intelligence, and Army to monitor the implementation of the resolutions and report back within two weeks for further legislative consideration.
Nigeria continues to grapple with security threats ranging from banditry and terrorism to kidnapping and communal violence, particularly in parts of the North-West, North-Central and North-East regions, with repeated attacks on schools and communities drawing national concern.
