House of Reps Urges President Tinubu to Flush Out Bandits and Kidnappers

The House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to deploy a comprehensive and aggressive security strategy to flush out bandits and kidnappers from their hideouts and restore safety across the country.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Representative Ibe Osonwa during Tuesday’s plenary session. The motion highlighted the surge in banditry, the frequent abduction of schoolchildren, and the growing security threats facing schools and places of worship nationwide.

Osonwa reminded the federal government of its constitutional responsibility under Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that the security and welfare of citizens remain the primary purpose of government. He lamented that persistent attacks on educational institutions have disrupted learning and worsened Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, leaving families to grapple with the trauma of prolonged captivity.

The lawmaker also pointed out the severe economic consequences of the insecurity, noting that numerous businesses have shut down, farming communities have been deserted, and families have been plunged into poverty while trying to raise ransom payments. He questioned the effectiveness of the current reactive approach by security agencies despite significant budgetary allocations to the defense sector.

Following deliberations, the House condemned the continuous mass abductions and attacks on schools and churches. The lawmakers resolved to send an urgent appeal to President Tinubu to take decisive executive action.

In a strongly worded resolution, the House declared that if the current administration fails to halt the worsening security situation and restore public confidence within a specified timeframe, the nation’s service chiefs should honorably resign from office.

Additionally, the House mandated its committees on Defense, National Security and Intelligence, and Army to closely monitor the implementation of these directives and report back within two weeks for further legislative action.