The Senate on Wednesday classified kidnapping as terrorism and recommended the death penalty for offenders, following the November 18 attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, where two worshippers were killed and 38 abducted.
Lawmakers warned that insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger has escalated, forcing widespread school closures, including all 47 Federal Unity Colleges. They ordered investigations into the withdrawal of troops from a Kebbi school before an attack and the killing of Brigadier-General Uba after alleged intelligence leaks.
Senators noted that internal collaborators, compromised intelligence and bandits’ takeover of forest corridors such as the Kwara–Kogi axis and Shiroro–Rafi–Munya areas are enabling worsening attacks. They also lamented Nigeria’s low security manpower compared to countries with similar populations.
The Ministry of Works was directed to fix the Idofian–Omu-Aran–Eruku–Egbe–Kabba road, described as a major escape route for attackers. The Senate further resolved to strengthen vigilante groups, review firearms laws and establish a Joint Task Force along the Kwara–Kogi corridor.
In a major shake-up, the Senate dissolved its Committees on National Security & Intelligence and on Air Force, directing other security committees to submit reports within one week.
Lawmakers approved international partnerships for intelligence sharing, surveillance technology and counter-terrorism training.
They also commended President Bola Tinubu for coordinating rescue efforts that freed 51 abducted Niger students and all 38 Kwara victims. The Senate warned that insecurity is fas
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
