Insecurity: Attacks, Abductions Causing Distress, Heightening Fears – Speaker Abbas …Says Last Few Weeks Very Difficult For Nigeria, Citizens

By Alkassim Bala Tsakuwa, Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajuddeen has stated that, attacks by Bandits and other criminal elements in the country is causing a lot of distress and heightening fears in Nigeria.

According to him, the last few weeks have been very difficult for Nigeria and Nigerians as a result of the kidnappings of over 300 students in schools in Kebbi and Niger States and the attack on a Church in Kwara State and abduction of worshippers.

According to him, the House is holding the Plenary at a time of unprecedented national challenges which requires calm heads, careful judgment and thoughtful action, not rushed or sensational responses.

He made the remark in his opening address at the Special Plenary on National Security held on by the House on Tuesday.

The Special Plenary was observed by officials from the United States Embassy in Nigeria, which the Speaker said, their presence highlights the importance of ongoing dialogue between the two nations.

Other notable figures who also observed the Special Plenary were, the Speaker of the Parliament of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Rt. Hon. Lanien Blanchette, along with Members of Parliament and Cabinet Ministers.

The Speaker noted that, the House decided to suspend all other matters and focus on national security which he said was neither symbolic nor procedural but reflects the seriousness of the moment and a duty for the members to speak for their constituents.

He said, “The last few weeks have been difficult for our country. Communities have suffered severe attacks, including killings and multiple abductions targeting civilians, security personnel and other vulnerable groups. These incidents occurred in rapid succession and affected different parts of the country, underscoring the scale and coordination of the threat we face.

“The attack in Kebbi State shocked the nation. The abduction of students in Niger State caused deep distress. The kidnapping of worshippers in Kwara State brought fear to many communities. Families are grieving. Citizens are anxious. These incidents remind us of the scale of the threat we face and the seriousness of the work before us.

“Acting squarely on the firm directives of the President, our security forces responded swiftly and courageously. The President’s decision to postpone his scheduled and widely publicised trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa, in order to confront the current challenges directly, set the tone for a more coordinated national response. He continues to receive continuous briefings from the security chiefs and has instructed that police personnel attached to VIPs be withdrawn and redeployed to frontline duties.

“These measures shape the swift rescue of the worshippers in Kwara State and the successful recovery of several abducted students in Niger State. Operations continue across all the affected communities, with renewed determination to reunite all missing persons with their families and to bring those responsible to justice”.

He informed that, the President’s resolve is consistent with his remarks at the Arewa Consultative Forum at the weekend, where he stated that “Nothing troubles me more gravely than the security crisis bedevilling Nigeria, especially Northern Nigeria.” His leadership thus far reflects both political responsibility and moral urgency.

The Speaker noted that, the House recognises the courage and commitment of our security personnel who serve under exceptionally difficult conditions.

He said, “Many have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones in the course of these operations, and we honour their pain, strength, and resilience.

“We stand firmly behind all ongoing operations and support every lawful measure aimed at delivering justice and restoring safety to our communities”.

Members of the House in their separate contributions lamented the growing insecurity which they said has became pervasive especially in the North West and North Central.

According to the lawmakers, growing insecurity has made Nigerians vulnerable to attacks by criminal elements with socio-economic consequences especially the loss of lives and livelihood in various communities.