Niger School Kidnap Underscores Worsening Insecurity – Lawmakers

Niger State caucus in the National Assembly has expressed concern and sorrow over the recent kidnap of students of St Mary’s Catholic School in Agwara local government area by terrorists.

The caucus in a statement signed by Sen. Mohammed Sani Musa and

12 others said the tragic incident was another painful reminder of the severe security challenges confronting the state and nation.

“We stand in full solidarity with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the government of Niger State, people of Agwara LGA, affected families and the entire people of Niger State at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent children, their parents, teachers and the entire community traumatised by this senseless act.

“As representatives of the good people of Niger State in the Senate and House of Representatives, we strongly condemn this criminal attack and reaffirm our collective resolve to work with security agencies and all relevant authorities to ensure the safe and immediate rescue of the abducted students. No child or community in Niger State should be left at the mercy of terror.

“The incident in Agwara LGA underscores the worsening insecurity plaguing Niger State and many parts of Northern Nigeria. From bandit attacks and mass kidnappings to terrorism and communal violence, the rising wave of insecurity has continued to endanger lives, disrupt livelihoods and destabilise communities,” they said.

The caucus said the situation in Niger mirrored the broader national security challenge   and addressing it requires decisive, coordinated and sustained action at all levels of government.

They called for enhanced military and security deployment across flashpoints in Niger State, especially border communities like Agwara.

They also urged strengthened intelligence gathering and rapid-response mechanisms to prevent and counter attacks, improved inter-agency collaboration and support for community-based security initiatives, greater federal government intervention to reinforce the efforts of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the Niger State Government in restoring peace and safety.