Reps urge Tinubu to flush out bandits, kidnappers nationwide

The House of Representatives has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately deploy a comprehensive security strategy to dismantle bandits’ camps, rescue abducted victims and restore safety across the country.

The call followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Ibe Osonwa, who represents Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State, during plenary on Tuesday.

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 increasing wave of kidnappings, attacks on schools and growing insecurity across the country.

The lawmaker reminded the Federal Government of its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, 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.”

Osonwa said attacks on schools had disrupted education and worsened the country’s out-of-school children crisis.

He said: “The abduction of schoolchildren across several parts of the country has disrupted education and deepened Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis.”

According to him, many families continue to endure the trauma of kidnappings while thousands of children have been forced out of classrooms because of fear.

Osonwa said: “Thousands of children have been forced out of classrooms due to fear of attacks, while many families continue to grapple with the trauma of kidnappings and prolonged captivity of loved ones.”

The lawmaker also expressed concern over attacks on places of worship, warning that institutions traditionally regarded as safe spaces had become targets for criminal groups.

He further highlighted the economic consequences of insecurity.

Osonwa said: “Many businesses have shut down, farming communities have been deserted and families plunged into poverty as they struggle to raise ransom payments for abducted relatives.”

He questioned the effectiveness of the country’s security architecture despite significant spending on defence and security, arguing that the response to criminal activities had remained largely reactive.

Following deliberations, the House condemned what it described as continued banditry, mass abductions and attacks on schools and churches across Nigeria.

The lawmakers resolved to send what they described as “an urgent and solemn appeal” to President Tinubu, reminding him of his responsibility as Commander-in-Chief to protect lives and property.

The House specifically demanded the immediate deployment of “an aggressive, unrelenting and comprehensive security strategy” to dismantle criminal hideouts, secure vulnerable schools and places of worship, and ensure the release of citizens being held by kidnappers and bandits.

In one of its resolutions, the House stated that if the administration fails to restore public confidence and significantly improve security within a defined period, the service chiefs should “honourably resign from office, having failed to fulfil the primary purpose of government as mandated by the Constitution.”

Lawmakers also directed the Committees on Defence, National Security and Intelligence, and Army to intensify oversight of the implementation of the resolutions and report back within two weeks for further legislative action.