The PUNCH reported that gunmen abducted scores of schoolchildren in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Wednesday.

Two days later, bandits reportedly kidnapped no fewer than 15 Tsangaya students at Gidan Bakuso area of Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Reacting to the developments, spokesman for the House, Mr Akin Rotimi, in a statement on Sunday said the criminal acts “Are not just attacks on individuals but also on the fundamental right to education and security of our citizens.”

He recalled that in response to these abductions and other criminal activities, “The House deliberated on three motions on Wednesday and Thursday March 6 and 7 2024 moved by Sada Soli (APC, Katsina), Zainab Gimba (APC, Borno) and Mukhtar Zakari (APC, Kaduna) on the need to address the growing concerns of insecurity in the country.”

He said, “The House consequently called on security agencies to increase the pressure against all criminal elements across the country as part of our firm commitment to work with the executive to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians in line with our legislative agenda.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, in his reaction, stated that “No Nigerian should be in captivity. Our schools must be safe for our children.

“We must collectively rise to the occasion and stem the tide of abductions, especially of women and children, at a time when the government is making efforts to address the high rate of out-of-school children. The schools must be safe for our children. Our security agencies need to act fast.”

The lawmakers therefore called on the military and other security agencies to swiftly go after the abductors and ensure the safe rescue of the victims.

“It is imperative that security agencies step up their efforts to protect our citizens, especially women and children, from these heinous crimes.

“Furthermore, the House stands in solidarity with the affected families and communities and assures them of our unwavering commitment to their safety and well-being. We call on all Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.

“We urge the government to prioritise the safety and security of all Nigerians and take decisive action to end these abductions and restore peace and stability in our communities,” the statement further read.