Senate demands action after 25 Kebbi schoolgirls abduction

The Senate erupted in anger on Tuesday over the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. Lawmakers said the incident underscores Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

The attack, which occurred around 4 p.m., saw terrorists storm the school, killing the vice-principal and wounding the principal. Senators described the assault as a “national tragedy” that exposes the government’s failure to protect children.

In response, the upper chamber passed resolutions urging President Bola Tinubu to recruit at least 100,000 additional soldiers to strengthen overstretched forces. The Senate also called for a thorough investigation into the Safe School Programme, including fund allocation, beneficiaries, and project implementation.

Moving the motion, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) condemned the abduction as another “heinous assault” on Nigeria’s educational system, recalling a similar attack in Kebbi in 2022. “This is a slap in the face of our nation,” he said. “Parents are losing confidence in sending their children to school. What kind of nation cannot protect its children?” Abdullahi also demanded an urgent rescue mission and a minute of silence for the slain vice-principal.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole echoed the call for increased military recruitment, highlighting that Nigeria’s population growth has left current security manpower insufficient. “It appears some individuals have turned security into a business benefiting from appropriations while children remain exposed to danger,” he said, also urging a forensic audit of the Safe School Programme.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported the investigation, stressing that Nigerians deserve transparency. “These criminals are targeting soft spots,” he said. “We must find out why the Safe School Programme has failed.” Former Plateau Governor Simon Lalong added that technology must be central to rescue efforts. “These girls were kidnapped yesterday. They did not vanish into thin air. They are somewhere, being moved around,” he said.

Several senators, including Asuquo Ekpeyong, Mohammed Sani Musa, and Aminu Tambuwal, emphasised that insecurity is a nationwide threat and that manpower alone cannot address it. Ekpeyong said, “Our children are not safe. A nation that cannot protect its pupils cannot claim to be a functioning state.” Musa highlighted the limitations of the 177,000-strong military, while Tambuwal urged a review of school locations and boarding arrangements to improve safety.

Fresh reports on Tuesday morning indicated that one of the abducted girls escaped and returned home, providing a glimmer of hope amid ongoing rescue operations. Senators warned that unless manpower, accountability, and technology-driven strategies are expanded, Nigeria risks further tragedies. The Senate also established an ad hoc committee to investigate all aspects of the Safe School Programme and ensure that public funds result in real protection for students.