Sen. Sunday Katung (PDP-Kaduna), representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, has expressed concern over the recurring scourge of mass abductions of schoolchildren in the country.
Katung, who strongly condemned the resurgence of mass abductions, particularly in the state, described the recurring incidents as alarming, reprehensible, and a direct assault on the integrity of the nation’s educational institutions.
This is contained in a statement made on Tuesday in Kaduna by the lawmaker.
He said that the attacks were assuming a distressing regularity, serving as a grim reminder of past kidnappings that have plagued the nation.
According to him, the obnoxious situation portends an existential threat to educational growth, adding that schools should serve as sanctuaries of learning for both pupils and educators, not grounds of terror.
He said the recent abduction of 287 schoolchildren and several teachers from LEA Primary School, Kuriga, in Chikun Local Government Area of the state on March 7 has left an indelible scar on the nation.
Katung also lamented the recent reported abduction of 87 individuals from Kajuru Station in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state on Sunday, along with other isolated incidents scattered across various states.
While sympathising with the Kaduna State Government on the development, he assured the governor of unwavering support and collaboration from his colleagues in the Senate in combating the menace.
The lawmaker also extended his sympathies to the families of the victims, affirming collective determination in overcoming this emerging evil.
“This deviant and abhorrent act has no place in a decent and civilised society like ours, so there is a need to address this threat swiftly and decisively to safeguard the development of education,” he said.
Katung canvassed the formulation of a robust strategy to effectively respond to the recurring incidents, warning of dire consequences if left unchecked.
“Inaction will only perpetuate the cycle of kidnapping, banditry, and criminality, which continue to unravel in various forms within our communities,” he further said. (NAN)
