By Edem Ekpo
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South in the Senate, has strongly condemned the abduction of twenty five schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State, describing the incident as a troubling reflection of Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.
Addressing the Senate during Tuesday’s plenary, Senator Ekpenyong said it was unacceptable that children seeking education and a better future remain exposed to danger. He noted that the safety of young Nigerians should be a national priority and insisted that the current situation shows a serious failure in the country’s security system.
The senator called on his colleagues to issue an immediate resolution directing security agencies to return for a fresh briefing. He stressed that this next engagement must include strict timelines, measurable targets, and consequences if performance falls short.
Senator Ekpenyong also urged the National Assembly to move beyond reactive measures and take bold steps to reinforce the country’s security architecture. He advocated for updates to existing security laws, increased funding for security operations, and stronger legislative oversight to ensure agencies carry out their responsibilities effectively.
The lawmaker appealed to the Senate to work closely with the federal government to bring an end to what he described as a long standing battle against terrorism and banditry. He warned that Nigeria cannot afford to remain complacent while schoolchildren continue to be victims of violent attacks.
Senator Ekpenyong concluded by calling for urgent, coordinated, and determined efforts from all security stakeholders to ensure that students and communities across the country are protected.