Niger’s National Assembly Caucus Condemns Kidnapping of Catholic School Students, Teachers

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The members of the National Assembly from Niger State have expressed concern over the unfortunate kidnapping of students of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Agwara Local Government Area (LGA) of the state by armed terrorists. 

The caucus in a statement issued yesterday, which was jointly signed by Senator Sani Musa, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Senator Peter Jiya, among others, described the incident as another painful reminder of the severe security challenges confronting our state and our nation.

The caucus said: “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.”

The caucus added that the situation in Niger State mirrors the broader national security challenge confronting Nigeria. 

It noted that addressing it requires decisive, coordinated, and sustained action at all levels of government. 

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

It also called for strengthened intelligence gathering and rapid-response mechanisms to prevent and counter attacks.

It further called for improved inter-agency collaboration and support for community-based security initiatives.

The caucus stressed that it remained fully committed to engaging the federal government and security institutions to prioritise Niger State.

It advocated for increased funding, personnel, and operational capacity for security agencies and advancing legislative reforms that strengthen Nigeria’s overall security framework.