The Senate has mandated a comprehensive probe into the Safe School Fund following the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, renewing concerns over why billions allocated to protect learning centres have not stopped recurring attacks.

At Tuesday’s sitting, legislators also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to authorize the enlistment of at least 100,000 additional military officers to boost the fight against insurgency, banditry and targeted assaults on schools across the country.

The upper legislative chamber further agreed to set up a special for this panel, comprising members from its Committees on Finance, Education, Defence, Army and Navy, to examine the execution of the Safe School Programme, its financing, spending patterns and the failures that left schools vulnerable.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), who championed the demand for massive recruitment and a thorough security review, cautioned that the magnitude of Nigeria’s security challenges requires a deliberate and urgent expansion of the armed forces.

“I urged the President and the armed forces to recruit an additional 100,000 military personnel so we can have enough members and women in our troops. It is also another way to create employment for our youthful population.

“People have turned our security to business. We should not monetise the death of our people by those living. What happened to the money earmarked for the Safe School programme?”

“Again, I urge the FG and relevant Senate Committees to probe the funds appropriated for the Safe School programme.

“I call on the military to deploy the use of technology and tracking devices to be able to track these criminals,” he urged.

Akpabio, in his remarks, said no country was free of crime, not even the United States, but stressed the need for synergy and collaboration, irrespective of religion, if the issue of insecurity must be nipped in the bud.

Akpabio said, “We sympathise with the families of the victims, the vice-principal who was killed and the schoolchildren now in captivity. Nigeria is a large nation of 36 states and the FCT.

‘’Our security agencies are overstretched. Even during elections, we cannot post one policeman per polling unit. Terrorists often strike in locations that are difficult to predict.

“No country is free of crime, not even the United States. But our responsibility is to make laws, pass motions, and take decisions that reduce crime to the barest minimum. Crime is crime; it does not belong to any administration.

“We urge the armed forces and all Nigerians with useful information to assist in securing the release of these children and ensuring justice for the victims. Distinguished colleagues, let us now rise to observe a one-minute silence in honour of those affected.

Earlier in his presentation of the motion, Senator Abdullahi had said: “I rise to draw the attention of this chamber to the heinous activities of criminal terrorist groups that attacked the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, located in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, Kebbi State, as well as in Kebbi South district.

“Despite some police presence, which proved insufficient, the terrorists invaded the school, abducting 25 young girls, killing the vice-principal, and wounding the principal.

“Such kidnapping of schoolgirls is a slap in the face of our nation. The continued attacks by terrorist groups on educational institutions not only undermine the quality of education but also discourage parents from sending their children to school.

‘’Unfortunately, this is not unprecedented. In 2022, a similar attack occurred in another government secondary school in Kebbi, and it took four long years for the girls to be safely recovered.

“I am deeply hurt by this recurring menace. The terrorisation of our students, children, and educational institutions must stop immediately. Security measures previously taken, including temporary school closures in the affected areas, were not enough to prevent this latest attack.

“I urge the federal government and all security agencies to take immediate action to rescue the abducted girls and apprehend the terrorists responsible. While we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded principal, I also request this distinguished Senate to observe a minute silence in honour of the deceased vice-principal.

“This attack is not only a tragedy for Kebbi State but also a wake-up call for the entire nation. A country that cannot secure its children cannot fulfill its obligations to its citizens. I appeal to the President and all security agencies to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safe recovery of the girls and the punishment of the perpetrators.’’

Senator Sani Musa, APC, Niger East stated that “while we commend the armed forces for their efforts, the truth is that they are overwhelmed.

‘’With a population exceeding 230 million and only 177,000 personnel, it is impossible to cover every area, especially forests and remote regions.

“We must rethink our approach. Traditional rulers, communities, and individuals must play a proactive role. We need to identify and expose those responsible for these crimes, at every level, and ensure accountability.

‘’Every Nigerian must take the law seriously and partner with the government and security agencies. Repeating motions and committees without action has led to repeated tragedies. It is time for a collective national effort to secure our children and communities.

Also in his contribution, the Senate Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Munguno, APC, Borno North, said: “ I rise to express my deep concern over the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State, a reprehensible act that demands a strong response from this parliament.

‘’As representatives entrusted with the mandate of the people, it is our responsibility to condemn such crimes in unison and call for immediate action.’’

On his part, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, APC, Osun East, said: “I also rise on this tragic matter. I hope the girls are released safely, and as quickly as possible, to avoid a repeat of the Chibok tragedy.

“However, this recurring criminality is becoming normalised in our society. Security forces, army, air force, and police—appear to operate in silos, which hinders effective coordination. ‘’The rising wave of kidnappings requires collective action from all Nigerians, not just the military, to demand accountability and enforce discipline. Clear targets and timelines must be set to eradicate these criminal networks.’’

In his contribution, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, APC, Cross River South, said: “This is a heartbreaking and gut-wrenching tragedy. Schoolchildren, who go to school to learn and develop themselves and their communities, are no longer safe.

“The Senate must pass a resolution that demands decisive action from security agencies, providing all necessary resources, but also setting clear ultimatums and consequences for failure.’’