The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently secure the release of 42 schoolchildren abducted from Mussa Ward in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The lawmakers also urged the government to establish and implement a comprehensive national framework aimed at improving the safety and security of schools across the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, Midala Balami, during plenary on Tuesday.
Presenting the motion, Balami expressed concern over the growing number of attacks on schools and communities, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to education, public safety and national development.
He stressed that protecting pupils, students, teachers and educational institutions remains a fundamental responsibility of government at all levels.
The lawmaker recalled previous mass abductions in Borno State, including the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping and other attacks on communities within the state, noting that recurring incidents continue to undermine public confidence in government efforts to tackle insecurity.
According to him, repeated attacks on schools have disrupted education, endangered lives, traumatised families and contributed to declining school enrolment in vulnerable communities.
Balami said the situation requires urgent and coordinated action to restore confidence, safeguard educational institutions and secure the release of all abducted persons.
He also noted growing frustration among residents over insecurity, stating that many communities are demanding concrete action rather than assurances from authorities.
Following deliberations, the House urged security agencies to take immediate and decisive steps to rescue the abducted children and other individuals currently being held captive across the country.
Lawmakers further called for increased security around schools in Borno State and other high-risk areas through enhanced deployment of security personnel, improved intelligence gathering and more effective emergency response mechanisms.
The House also advocated the expansion of school protection measures, including early warning systems, community-based security arrangements, security awareness programmes and improved surveillance infrastructure.
As part of its resolutions, the House mandated its Committees on National Security, Defence, Basic Education and Legislative Compliance to engage relevant security agencies and report back on efforts being made to secure the release of abductees and strengthen school security nationwide.
The lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to develop and implement a comprehensive Safe Schools Security Framework to better protect students, teachers and educational institutions from future attacks.
Speaking on the motion, Balami emphasised that the safety of children and the protection of education must remain a national priority.
“Our children deserve to learn in an environment free from fear, and our citizens deserve the assurance that government will act decisively to protect lives and property. The time for action is now,” he said.
