The House of Representatives on Tuesday called on the Federal Government and security agencies to immediately secure the release of 42 schoolchildren abducted from Mussa Ward in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, while urging the implementation of a comprehensive national framework to protect schools across the country.
The call followed the consideration of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, Mr Midala Balami.
Presenting the motion, Balami expressed concern over the abduction of the pupils and the growing pattern of attacks on schools and communities, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to education and national security.
He noted that the protection of pupils, students, educational personnel and school communities remains “a fundamental responsibility of government at all levels.”
The lawmaker recalled previous mass abductions in Borno State, including the kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014, many of whom are still unaccounted for, as well as the abduction of hundreds of residents from Ngoshe and attacks along the Biu-Buratai Road and other communities.
