The Senate on Wednesday commended President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for the swift rescue of dozens of kidnapping victims in Kwara and Niger states, while warning that attacks on schools and places of worship across Nigeria have reached alarming levels.
The commendation followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Asiru Yisa (Kwara South) titled: “Urgent Need to Address Escalating Insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States – Call for Immediate and Comprehensive Federal Intervention.”
Yisa expressed deep concern over the attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, where armed assailants killed two worshippers and abducted 38 people — all of whom have since been freed. The senator also raised questions over the apparent withdrawal of military personnel from a school in Kebbi hours before a bandit attack, calling for an urgent and transparent investigation.
“Credible reports indicate military personnel were withdrawn from the affected Kebbi school just hours before the bandits struck, raising grave questions that demand transparent and urgent investigation,” he said.
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The Senate also warned that internal collaborators were aiding bandits with logistics and escape routes. Lawmakers noted that criminals continue to exploit porous forest corridors, including the Kwara–Kogi axis, the Kebbi–Zamfara route, and Niger’s Shiroro–Rafi–Munya belt. Vulnerable communities highlighted included Eruku, Isapa, and Koro, where a retired Army general and traditional ruler was recently killed.
The chamber condemned the deplorable condition of the Idofian–Omu-Aran–Eruku–Egbe–Kabba highway, describing it as an easy escape route for criminals.
While commending Tinubu for his “exemplary leadership and swift response,” including the cancellation of foreign trips to coordinate rescue operations, the Senate urged sustained operations until all abductees nationwide are freed. It mandated the Army, Police, DSS, and Defence Intelligence Bureau to intensify intelligence-driven operations. It called for the creation of a Joint Task Force (JTF) along the Kwara–Kogi corridor with bases in Eruku, Babanla, Oke-Ero, and Isanlu.
The Senate also observed a two-minute silence in memory of the victims. It directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and NEMA to provide relief to affected families and communities where schools have been closed. Lawmakers further resolved to engage the US and allied parliaments for support in intelligence and counter-terrorism initiatives.
The recent attacks include the abduction of 24 female students in Kebbi, the seizure of over 300 pupils and teachers in Papiri, Niger State, and the church vigil raid in Eruku, Kwara State, sparking public outrage and renewed calls for stronger security measures.
