The Senate has mandated a thorough investigation into the Safe School Fund following the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, raising concerns over the billions allocated to secure schools and the failure to prevent repeated attacks.
During Tuesday’s plenary, lawmakers also called on President Bola Tinubu to approve the recruitment of at least 100,000 new military personnel to boost efforts against insurgency, banditry, and attacks on schools nationwide.
The Senate resolved to form an ad hoc committee comprising members from the Finance, Education, Defence, Army, and Navy committees to examine the implementation, funding, spending, and lapses in the Safe School Programme that left schools vulnerable.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), leading the push for increased military recruitment and a full security audit, emphasized the urgent need to expand the armed forces due to Nigeria’s severe security challenges.
“I urge the President and the military to recruit 100,000 more personnel to strengthen our forces and create employment for youths,” Oshiomhole said.
He questioned the whereabouts of funds allocated to the Safe School Programme and called for the deployment of technology and tracking devices to track criminals.
Senator Godswill Akpabio acknowledged that no country, including the US, is free from crime but stressed the importance of unity and collaboration to curb insecurity.
He extended sympathies to the victims’ families, calling for collective efforts to rescue abducted schoolgirls and deliver justice.
Senator Abdullahi drew attention to the recent terrorist attack on the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, which resulted in 25 schoolgirls abducted, the vice-principal killed, and the principal wounded.
He lamented the recurring attacks on schools, highlighting the negative impact on education and parental confidence in sending children to school.
Other senators echoed concerns about overstretched security agencies and the need for broader community involvement and accountability.
Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) stressed that with a population of over 230 million and only 177,000 security personnel, the country cannot secure every area alone.
Senator Mohammed Tahir Munguno (APC, Borno North) condemned the abduction, urging an urgent parliamentary response.
Senator Francis Fadahunsi (APC, Osun East) called for improved coordination among security agencies and clear goals to dismantle criminal networks.
Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong (APC, Cross River South) described the abduction as heartbreaking and urged the Senate to demand decisive security actions with strict accountability.
