The interim national chairman of the Labour Party, Nenadi Usman has condemned the recent attacks and mass abductions of schoolchildren in Niger and Kwara states.
Usman in a statement issued on Sunday and titled, Niger Pupils Kidnap: My heart bleeds’ said these incidents are a painful reflection of Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
Recall that 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped from the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga Kebbi state by some terrorists.
Days later, while efforts were being made to ensure their rescue, some insurgents stormed the St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State.
Over 300 students were said to have been abducted from the school, leading to outrage and concerns among Nigerians and the international community.
Reacting to these incidents, Usman said if such a large scale of abductions could happen, it means that the crisis faced by the nation is enormous.
She further warned that Nigeria is gradually drifting dangerously towards the precipice of state failure.
According to Usman, the inability to protect children and schools has placed the country in grave danger.
Also stating that the reality of Nigeria’s security is scary, the LP chairman said the current situation is unacceptable for any right-thinking human.
“Painfully, schools – the very beacon of hope and the pathway to the future for our children – are now being shut down nationwide because the state can no longer guarantee their safety.
“This is unacceptable and should alarm every one of us.
“A critical starting point is to address the hunger and extreme hardship ravaging the land. In any society where poverty has reached catastrophic levels, insecurity becomes an inevitable consequence. He who sows the wind should not be surprised to reap the whirlwind.
“The government must also demonstrate a sincerity of purpose in its approach to insecurity.
“The present administration must go beyond routine condemnations of criminality and commence a real, structured, coordinated, and enduring process of policing the nation,” Usman said.