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| Senate Chambers. |
The Nigerian Senate has ordered an in-depth investigation into the Safe School Fund following the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, raising critical questions about the billions allocated for school security and why they have failed to stop recurring attacks.
During Tuesday’s session, senators also urged President Bola Tinubu to approve the recruitment of at least 100,000 new military personnel to enhance efforts in combating insurgency, banditry, and violence targeting schools nationwide.
An ad hoc committee will be set up, composed of members from the Finance, Education, Defence, Army, and Navy committees, to examine the Safe School Programme’s execution, financial management, and shortcomings that have left educational institutions vulnerable.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), who championed the call for expanded military recruitment and a comprehensive security review, stressed the critical need for urgent growth in Nigeria’s armed forces.
“I call on the President and military leadership to recruit 100,000 additional personnel to strengthen our forces and provide job opportunities for our young people,” he said.
Oshiomhole also questioned what happened to the funds earmarked for the Safe School Programme and called on the military to leverage technology and tracking devices to hunt down criminals.
Senator Godswill Akpabio highlighted that no nation, including the United States, is completely free from crime, but stressed the importance of unity and collaboration to tackle insecurity.
He expressed condolences to the families affected and urged everyone to assist in the rescue of abducted girls and bring perpetrators to justice.
Senator Abdullahi drew attention to the recent terrorist raid on the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped, the vice-principal was killed, and the principal was injured.
He lamented the repeated attacks on schools and their damaging impact on education and parental confidence.
Several senators voiced concerns about the overstretched security forces and emphasised the need for stronger community involvement and accountability.
Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) pointed out that with Nigeria’s population exceeding 230 million and only 177,000 security personnel, securing all areas, especially remote ones, is a daunting task.
Senator Mohammed Tahir Munguno (APC, Borno North) condemned the kidnappings and called for a swift parliamentary response.
Senator Francis Fadahunsi (APC, Osun East) urged better coordination among the security agencies and called for clear targets to dismantle criminal gangs.
Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong (APC, Cross River South) described the kidnapping as heartbreaking and called for the Senate to demand decisive actions and accountability from security agencies.
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