The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed concern over the “frequent abduction” of Nigerians on highways.
In a statement issued on Monday, Kingsley Chinda, leader of the caucus, said the 29 medical students abducted by gunmen in Benue while travelling for a conference threatens the future of education and healthcare in Nigeria.
The lawmakers called on security agencies in the country to arrest and prosecute those found guilty of the attacks.
“These young men and women, dedicated to pursuing knowledge and bettering the lives of their fellow Nigerians, must not be left to suffer in the hands of criminals,” the statement said.
“No section of our country appears safe for citizens to live their lives, uplift their wellbeing, and contribute to the growth and progress of our country.
“In particular, our interstate highway systems, which serve not only as the backbone of our transportation system but as the commerce corridors through which commercial entities and citizens move their goods and services, providing businesses lifelines, have become deathtraps and the staging posts of kidnappers, extortionists and criminal elements of the dark underworld.
“The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, gravely worried about the prevailing conditions of our interstate highways and the general state of insecurity in our country, expresses its deep concern and outright condemnation of the recent kidnappings that have further highlighted the alarming state of insecurity in our nation.
“Furthermore, the kidnapping of the Anambra State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr Patrick Mba, and his wife on the highway in Kogi State, who was released yesterday by his abductors, underscores the terrifying reality that no one is safe, not even those who have dedicated their lives to public service.
“These incidents are not isolated; they represent a broader, more concerning trend of increasing lawlessness and insecurity in our country.
“The frequency and audacity of these attacks suggest a complete breakdown in our security architecture, and this cannot be allowed to continue while we pretend or console ourselves with the conclusion that the situation is improving.
“It is imperative and indeed an unconditional demand that the kidnapped citizens are rescued unharmed, and the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice,” the group said.
“The government must prioritize the safety of all Nigerians. We cannot allow our nation to slide into anarchy, where criminals operate with impunity, and the citizens live in constant fear. The time for rhetoric is over; now is the time for action.”
