The National Assembly of Nigeria has expressed concern over the lingering insecurity in rural communities and the prolonged captivity of hundreds of Nigerians held by armed groups. During a plenary session, lawmakers urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue those held captive. Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated that the parliament cannot consider itself free while citizens remain in captivity.
Akpabio referenced recent abductions, including one that occurred during Friday prayer in Marisa Local Government Area of Niger State. He declared that the parliament would deploy its powers to support security institutions and safeguard lives and property. The Senate President also spoke on flood disaster, economic hardship, and electioneering ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The House of Representatives called for coordinated security operations to secure the immediate and safe release of 116 schoolchildren abducted in Borno State and other parts of the country. The call followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, Midala Balami. Balami said the continued captivity had subjected the victims' families and affected communities to "unbearable emotional distress, uncertainty and fear."
Security analysts have observed that the lawmakers' appeal amounts to "mere rhetoric" unless it is backed by concrete action. The country has witnessed several cases of abductions, with more than 800 people kidnapped in the last three months. On September 25, 18 residents, including eight women, were kidnapped along the Adoka-Ankpa road at the Benue/Kogi border.
In Niger State, 47 farmers were abducted while harvesting groundnuts in Rimi, an agricultural community in the Mariga area. The incident occurred on September 27, and most of the victims were women. The Niger State Police Spokesperson confirmed the incident, saying that over 20 people were kidnapped.
Similar abductions have occurred in other parts of the country, including Zamfara State, where bandits attacked several communities, abducting over 50 people and setting about 10 vehicles ablaze. In Kwara State, a newly married couple was abducted by armed assailants while returning from their engagement ceremony.
The Senate President has pledged that the Senate would work to address pressing national challenges, including the rising cost of living, widespread insecurity, and severe flooding. He urged lawmakers to ensure policy discussions reflect the everyday struggles of citizens coping with the high cost of living. Akpabio also cautioned political actors against divisive rhetoric, religious profiling, and electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Key points
- The National Assembly has urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue Nigerians held captive by armed groups.
- Over 800 people have been kidnapped in Nigeria in the last three months.
- The Senate has pledged to deploy its powers to support security institutions and safeguard lives and property.
