National…call for enhanced military, security deployment across border communities
By Gloria Ikibah
The National Assembly members representing Niger State has strongly condemned the abduction of students from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Agwara Local Government Area, describing the attack as a painful reminder of the deepening security crisis in the state and across northern Nigeria. 
In the joint statement released on Saturday, the lawmakers said the caucus was “deeply concerned and profoundly sorrowful” over the kidnapping carried out by armed terrorists, stressing that the incident had once again exposed the vulnerability of rural communities.
They expressed full solidarity with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Niger State Government, the people of Agwara, and all affected families, noting that their “thoughts and prayers are with the innocent children, their parents, teachers, and the entire community traumatised by this senseless act”.
The statement read: “We stand in full solidarity with His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Government of Niger State, the people of Agwara LGA, the affected families, and the entire citizenry of Niger State at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent children, their parents, teachers, and the entire community traumatized by this senseless act.
“As representatives of the good people of Niger State in the Senate and House of Representatives, we strongly condemn this criminal attack and 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 State should be left at the mercy of terror.
“The incident in Agwara LGA underscores the worsening insecurity plaguing Niger State and many parts of Northern Nigeria. From bandit attacks and mass kidnappings to terrorism and communal violence, the rising wave of insecurity has continued to endanger lives, disrupt livelihoods, and destabilize communities”.
The caucus reaffirmed its collective determination to work with security agencies to ensure the “safe and immediate rescue” of the abducted students, insisting that no community or child in Niger State should be abandoned to violence.
The lawmakers warned that the latest attack highlights the broader security deterioration gripping Niger State and large parts of northern Nigeria—where banditry, mass abductions, and terrorism have repeatedly destabilised communities and destroyed livelihoods.
They outlined a set of urgent recommendations, calling for:
• Enhanced military and security deployment across hotspots, especially border communities like Agwara.
• Stronger intelligence gathering and rapid-response systems to prevent and counter attacks.
• Improved collaboration among security agencies, alongside support for community-led security structures.
• Greater intervention by the Federal Government to reinforce ongoing efforts by Governor Bago and the state administration.
The caucus reaffirmed their commitment, to continue to press the Federal Government and security institutions to prioritise Niger State, advocate improved funding and manpower for security agencies, and push for legislative reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s overall security architecture.
“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 State, safeguard our children, comfort the affected families, and grant lasting peace to Agwara LGA, Niger State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, they added.
