By Atoyebi Nike
The Senate has praised President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for the quick rescue of dozens of abducted victims in Kwara and Niger states. Lawmakers issued the commendation on Wednesday while warning that attacks on schools and places of worship are rising at a troubling pace.
Senator Asiru Yisa of Kwara South moved the motion that triggered the debate. He condemned the attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, where gunmen killed two worshippers and kidnapped 38 others. All the abducted victims have since regained freedom.
Yisa also raised concerns about the withdrawal of soldiers from a Kebbi school shortly before bandits struck. He demanded an immediate and transparent investigation into the incident.
The Senate linked many of the recent attacks to internal collaborators and noted that bandits continue to exploit porous forest routes across the Kwara-Kogi corridor, the Kebbi-Zamfara route, and the Shiroro-Rafi-Munya belt in Niger State. Lawmakers also pointed to vulnerable communities such as Eruku, Isapa and Koro, where a retired Army general and traditional ruler was recently killed.
They criticized the poor state of the Idofian-Omu-Aran-Eruku-Egbe-Kabba highway, saying the dilapidated road provides criminals with an easy escape path.
The chamber commended Tinubu for cancelling foreign trips to coordinate rescue efforts. It mandated the army, police, DSS and Defence Intelligence Bureau to intensify intelligence-led operations in affected states. Lawmakers also called for a Joint Task Force for the Kwara-Kogi corridor with operational bases in Eruku, Babanla, Oke-Ero and Isanlu.
The Senate paid tribute to the resilience of communities and thanked vigilante groups for their support. It urged residents to remain alert and resist internal sabotage.
After observing a two-minute silence for victims, lawmakers directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and NEMA to assist affected families and communities where schools were shut. They also resolved to engage the US and allied parliaments for intelligence and counter-terrorism support.
Recent incidents include the abduction of 24 female students from a Kebbi school hostel, the kidnapping of 38 worshippers during a church vigil in Eruku, and the raid on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, where more than 300 students and teachers were seized.
