The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently secure the release of 42 schoolchildren abducted from Mussa Ward in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The lawmakers also urged the implementation of a comprehensive national framework to protect schools across the country from recurring attacks and abductions.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, Midala Balami, during plenary on Tuesday.

Presenting the motion, Balami expressed concern over the growing pattern of attacks on schools and communities, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to education and national security.

He stressed that the protection of pupils, students, teachers, and school communities remains a fundamental responsibility of government at all levels.

Balami recalled previous mass abductions in Borno State, including the kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014, many of whom are still missing, as well as attacks on communities along the Biu-Buratai Road and in Ngoshe.

According to him, repeated attacks on schools and communities continue to endanger lives, traumatise families, disrupt livelihoods, and weaken public confidence in the government’s ability to provide security.

He also warned that persistent insecurity has contributed to declining school enrolment and attendance in vulnerable communities due to fear among parents and residents.

Balami noted that many communities are increasingly frustrated with government responses to insecurity and are demanding concrete action instead of repeated assurances.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged security agencies to take immediate and decisive steps to rescue the abducted schoolchildren and all other persons currently being held in captivity.

Lawmakers also called for stronger security around schools in Borno State and other high-risk areas through improved intelligence gathering, rapid-response mechanisms, and increased deployment of security personnel.

The House further advocated the expansion of school protection initiatives, including early warning systems, community-based security arrangements, security awareness programmes, and improved surveillance around schools.

In addition, the lawmakers mandated the Committees on National Security, Defence, Basic Education, and Legislative Compliance to engage relevant security agencies and report back on efforts to rescue abductees and strengthen security around schools nationwide.

The House also urged the Federal Government to develop and implement a comprehensive Safe Schools Security Framework to protect students, teachers, and educational institutions from future attacks.

“The safety of our children and the protection of education must remain a national priority. Our children deserve to learn in an environment free from fear,” Balami said.