By Anayo Akwitti
The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has condemned the abduction of 87 students and teachers in Borno and Oyo states, describing the attacks as a threat to Nigeria’s future.
Bamidele said the latest kidnappings highlight the urgent need to establish state police as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security system.
Gunmen reportedly abducted 45 pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday. In a separate attack, Boko Haram insurgents kidnapped 42 students from a school in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
In a statement released on Sunday, the senate leader said the National Assembly was already close to completing constitutional amendments that would allow the creation of state police.
According to him, the proposal will later be sent to state houses of assembly for approval by at least two-thirds of lawmakers nationwide.
Bamidele urged governors and state legislatures to treat the issue as a national security priority rather than a political matter.
He also called on federal and state governments to fully implement the Safe School Initiative to reduce attacks on schools and address Nigeria’s growing out-of-school children crisis, estimated at 18.3 million.
The senator added that lawmakers would resume work on key security reforms when the National Assembly reconvenes on June 2, including amendments to the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act aimed at strengthening punishment for violent crimes.
