Reps Demand Urgent Rescue of 42 Abducted Borno Schoolchildren as Security Pressure Mounts

(House of Representatives. Photo Credit: Punch News)

Nigeria's House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government and security forces to urgently rescue 42 schoolchildren who were kidnapped from Mussa Ward in the Askira-Uba area of Borno State.

The lawmakers also pushed for a nationwide framework to be put in place to better protect schools across the country.

The motion was brought forward by the lawmaker representing the Askira-Uba/Hawul constituency, Midala Balami, who expressed deep concern about the abduction and the broader pattern of attacks on schools and communities in Nigeria.

He stressed that keeping pupils, teachers, and school environments safe is a core duty of government at every level.

Balami drew parallels with past incidents, most notably the 2014 Chibok girls abduction, many of whom remain missing to this day, arguing that little has changed in terms of protecting vulnerable communities.

He warned that the ongoing insecurity is not only traumatising families but also driving down school attendance and enrolment in affected areas, as communities grow increasingly frustrated with government responses they see as all talk and no action.

The House, in adopting the motion, called for stronger security presence around schools in high-risk areas, better intelligence operations, faster emergency response systems, and community-based protection arrangements.

Relevant parliamentary committees were directed to engage security agencies and report back on progress.

Lawmakers also urged the government to develop a comprehensive Safe Schools Security Framework to prevent future attacks, with Balami summing up the mood of the chamber by stating that children deserve to learn without fear, and that the time for decisive action is now.