Reps seek end to kidnappings in Nigerian schools

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The House of Representatives has decried the worrying rate of kidnappings and wanton destruction of lives and properties in schools across the country since 2014.

This follows Honourable Billy Osawaru’s motion of urgent national concern during plenary in Abuja.

Following the acceptance of the motion, the House directed its Committees on Army, Air Force, Navy, Police Affairs, and Defence to consult with security chiefs to determine the best way to secure schools and provide immediate, long-term answers to the country’s security concerns.

The House also directed schools to hire private security firms to supplement the efforts of security forces in securing the campuses.

The lawmakers also called for value re-orientation and social re-awakening especially to the out of school children still living in fear.

There have been major incidences of kidnapping affecting several schools in the country in recent years, especially in places like Borno, Nasarawa, Niger, Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna States.

Also, during its plenary on Wednesday, the House of Representatives resolved to investigate the alleged death of a four year-old-boy, Miguel Ovoke, at Brickhall School, Abuja.

Raised as a motion of urgent national importance by Honourable Kelechi Nwogu, the House is concerned about the allegation of a cover up by the school.

The House observed a moment of silence for the late Miguel and resolved to constitute a special committee to carry out the investigation.