The Niger Caucus in the National Assembly has urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted students of St. Mary’s Catholic School in the state.

In a statement on Sunday signed by Sen. Mohammed Musa (APC-Niger) and co-signed by all federal  lawmakers from the state, the caucus tasked security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Mr Musa expressed sorrow over the unfortunate kidnapping of students of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Agwara Local Government Area of the state by armed terrorists.

According to him, this tragic incident is another painful reminder of the severe security challenges confronting our state and our nation.

“As representatives of the good people of Niger in the Senate and House of Representatives, we strongly condemn this criminal attack.

“We 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 should be left at the mercy of terror,” he said.

The lawmaker said that the incident underscores the worsening insecurity plaguing Niger and many parts of Northern Nigeria.

He said that from bandit attacks to mass kidnappings, terrorism and communal violence, the rising wave of insecurity continued to endanger lives, disrupt livelihoods, and destabilise communities.

“The situation in Niger mirrors the broader national security challenge confronting Nigeria and addressing it requires decisive, coordinated, and sustained action at all levels of government.

“We, therefore, call for enhanced military and security deployment across flashpoints in Niger, especially border communities like Agwara.

“There is need to strengthen intelligence gathering and rapid-response mechanisms to prevent and counter attacks with improved inter-agency collaboration and support for community-based security initiatives.

“Also, there is need for greater federal government intervention to reinforce the efforts of Gov. Umaru Bago and the state government in restoring peace and safety,” he said.

Mr Musa said that as a caucus, they are committed to engaging the federal government and security institutions to prioritise Niger, to advocate increased funding, personnel, and operational capacity for security agencies.

According to him, we are committed to advancing legislative reforms that strengthen Nigeria’s overall security framework, while ensuring that the safety of our people remains at the forefront of national discourse.

“We call on our constituents to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of ongoing rescue operations.

“We urge security agencies to intensify their efforts to secure the safe return of the students and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“May God protect Niger, safeguard our children, comfort the affected families, and grant lasting peace to Agwara LGA, Niger, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

The senator said that the caucus is in full solidarity with Mr Bago, the people of Agwara, the affected families, and the residents of Niger at this difficult time.

He said that their hearts, thoughts and prayers were with the innocent children, their parents, teachers, and the entire community traumatised by this senseless act. 

(NAN)