By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently implement a stronger and more coordinated security strategy to address rising cases of banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance during plenary on Tuesday, sponsored by Ibe Osonwa, who represents Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State.
Presenting the motion titled *“A Call for Immediate Executive Action on the Surge in Banditry, the Daily Abduction of Schoolchildren, and the Perilous Security Situation in Nigerian Schools and Places of Worship,”* Osonwa expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the country.
He reminded the Federal Government of its constitutional responsibility to protect citizens, citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
The lawmaker noted that the persistent abduction of schoolchildren has severely disrupted education, increased the number of out-of-school children, and left many families in deep emotional distress.
He also raised alarm over growing attacks on schools and places of worship, warning that institutions once considered safe have now become vulnerable to violence.
According to him, worshippers are increasingly exposed to risks of abduction, killings, and attacks while exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of religion.
Osonwa further highlighted the economic impact of insecurity, noting that farming communities have been abandoned, businesses shut down, and many families pushed into poverty due to ransom payments and displacement.
Following deliberations, the House urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks, secure schools and religious centres, and restore public confidence in the nation’s security system.
Lawmakers stressed the need for urgent and decisive action to curb the growing wave of insecurity and protect lives and property across the country
