By Teddy Nwanunobi
The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has demanded for an immediate overhaul of the nation’s security architecture.
Led by Hon. Fred Agbedi, the opposition noted that the issues of kidnapping, killing, and general insecurity are moving the nation towards a state of lawlessness and anarchy.
While briefing newsmen at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Wednesday, the lawmakers decried the daily increase of insurgency, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across Nigeria.
They also issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government, along with the security agents to effect the immediate release of all the over 40 schoolchildren and teachers that were abducted by bandits from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, and completely tackle the worsening kidnapping crisis.
The federal lawmakers called on the Federal Government to focus more on the protection of lives and property across the country than in pursuing 2027 political aspirations.
The group lamented that if a retired Army general could be kidnapped and killed by bandits, it means nobody is safe.
They equally expressed displeasure over the attempt to muzzle out the entire opposition political parties, and called on the government to stop using the courts to strangulate opposition political parties and politicians.
Meanwhile, the lawmakers in opposition also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately stop using conflicting court rulings in an attempt to entrench a one party political system in Nigeria.
The group had lamented that the recent ruling of a High Court presided over by Justice Peter Lilu in the nation’s capital that directed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples Party (APP), and three other parties be deregistered.
Consequently, the group used the opportunity to commend the Court of Appeal for halting the execution of the High Court ruling.
Opposition lawmakers maintained that they will leave up to their constitutional responsibilities by holding the government accountable to the masses.
Daily NewsCraft reports that armed bandits, on May 15, attacked schools in the Oriire LGA, abducting dozens of students, teachers, and a toddler. Tragically, one of the teachers was executed in captivity, and another was killed during the initial raid.
The prolonged captivity has sparked outrage. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) directed members to down tools and close public schools across the state in solidarity, while activists like VeryDarkMan have held demonstrations at the Oyo Government House.
The Federal Government dispatched a delegation to the affected communities to assure residents that specialised teams have been mobilised for a safe rescue. Additionally, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, addressed protesters, assuring them that state actors are working closely with security agencies to secure the hostages.