The Senate has urged for the prompt release of female students seized by unidentified bandits from the Federal University of Gusau in Zamfara.
According to the police, about 0250hrs on Friday, suspected bandits traveling on about 50 motorcycles and armed with sophisticated weaponry invaded three students’ rented apartments in Sabon Gida Village near the Federal University Gusau and kidnapped an unspecified number of students.
Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’ Adua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Army, made the demand in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday. He stated that rescuing innocent female students from the clutches of the criminals should be the country’s top concern right now.
Yar’Adua lamented the epidemic of banditry and insurgency in the country, as well as the abduction of law-abiding citizens, as a significant blemish on the country’s image and the collective conscience of Nigerians.
“This is a moment that demands swift and decisive action. We cannot underestimate the trauma and anguish that these young girls and their families are experiencing right now.
” It is our duty as leaders to prioritize their safety and well-being above all else”, he said . He said that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies , must be well equipped and positioned , to stop the menace already threatening the nation’s unity , peace and progress . ”
The recent kidnapping of more than 24 innocent school students of Federal University of Gusau, Nigeria, particularly the young girls, is not just another unfortunate incident but a clear indication that the insecurity plaguing our country has reached alarming levels.
“We can no longer stand idle and allow our nation’s future to be continually threatened.
“I call upon all stakeholders in government, from the executive to the legislative, and the judiciary, to immediately divert our attention to this heinous attack and ensure the safe rescue of our young daughters. ”
Furthermore, let us use this unfortunate incident as a wake-up call the Nigerian government must intensify its efforts in curbing the escalating insecurity that has permeated our land. “We cannot continue to allow bandits, insurgents, and criminal elements to terrorize our communities, disrupt the educations of our children, and instil fear in the hearts of law-abiding citizens.
“As the head of the committee on the Nigerian Army in the National Assembly, I pledge to lend my unwavering voice, support, and resources to this cause.
“We must bolster our security forces, equip them with the necessary tools, provide adequate training, and enhance intelligence gathering mechanisms to counter these threats effectively.
“We must ensure that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies have the capabilities to rescue these kidnapped students without delay”.