Lassa Attack: Ndume Demands Stronger Security Response

Amid the fresh abduction of students in Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has once again called on the Federal Government to adopt a more proactive approach in tackling insurgency and banditry.

The federal lawmaker made the appeal on Monday in a statement while reacting to the abduction of students sitting for the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations in Lassa by suspected terrorists.
According to media reports, the attackers stormed the school disguised as members of the military and the newly created Forest Guard security outfit. They reportedly fired sporadically before abducting students and women selling food within the school premises.
Checks revealed that 42 students and pupils were abducted last month in the same Askira/Uba Local Government Area when suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, maintained that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Borno State Government, must do more to convince Nigerians that it is matching its declaration of emergency on security with decisive action.
He said, “This fresh abduction is disconcerting, coming at a time when we don’t know the fate of the children of Mussa who were kidnapped last month.
“I want to appeal to security forces to redouble their efforts and ensure the safe return of the 42 students of Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School, those kidnapped in Ngoshe, those abducted along the Buratai-Biu Road, and those abducted today.”
He added, “The way to disabuse the minds of Nigerians that the terrorists are overwhelming the government and security personnel is to take the battle to their hideouts and reassure Nigerians that they can conveniently sleep with their two eyes closed.”
The former Senate Leader commended the efforts of security agencies that pursued the attackers and secured the release of some victims, praising their prompt intervention. He, however, called for greater synergy among all security agencies to prevent further attacks and effectively nip future incidents in the bud.