Fresh abduction in Borno: Ndume asks FG to be proactive against insecurity

…seeks collaboration amongst security agencies 

Amidst the fresh abduction of students in Lassa in the Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has again called on the federal government to be proactive in its crusade against insurgency and banditry.

The federal lawmaker made the call on Monday in a statement while reacting to Monday’s terrorist abduction of students sitting for the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations in the Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area.

According to media reports, the terrorists who stormed the school, disguised as members of the military and the newly created Forest Guard security outfit, shot sporadically before abducting students and women selling food items within the school premises.

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Checks revealed that 42 students and pupils were abducted last month in the same Askira/Uba Local Government Area by suspected Boko Haram terrorists who attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School. 

Ndume, who incidentally represents the Borno South senatorial district in the National Assembly, maintained that the federal government, in collaboration with the state government, must do more to convince Nigerians that it is walking its talks on emergency on security.

He said, “This fresh abduction is disconcerting, coming at a time when we don’t know the fate of children of Mussa who were kidnapped last month.

“I want to appeal to security forces to redouble their efforts and ensure the safe return of the 42 students of Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School, those kidnapped in Ngoshe; those abducted along Buratai-Biu Road; and those abducted today.”

“The way to disabuse the minds of Nigerians that the terrorists are overwhelming the government and security personnel is to take the battle to their hideouts and reassure Nigerians that they can conveniently sleep with their two eyes closed.”

The former Senate leader, who applauded the efforts of the security agencies on ground that pursued and secured the release of some of the victims for their prompt intervention in confronting the bandits, called for more synergy amongst all security agencies to nip further attacks in the bud.