TheCable

Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, has advised the federal government to begin the process of handing over control of internal security to states.

He stated this in reaction to the abduction of students of Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe, Zamfara state.

TheCable had reported how gunmen invaded the school on Friday, and abducted 317 schoolgirls.

The latest abduction comes nine days after armed bandits stormed the Government Science College (GSC), Kagara in Niger state, and abducted 27 students — the Niger students are still in the custody of their abductors.

There have been calls for the federal government to allow states to have some level of control over the Nigeria police force, as part of efforts to improve security.

In a post on his Twitter handle on Friday, Abubakar urged the national assembly to commence the process of constitutional reforms that will give states control of their security architecture.

“My heart is very heavy over the abduction of our young daughters from Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe, Zamfara State”, the former vice-president wrote.

“I have had a phone conversation with the Governor of Zamfara, H.E. Bello Matawalle, and I am informed that his government is doing everything in its power to secure the release of the abducted students.

“I have previously made recommendations on how our beloved nation can defeat enemies of the state and win the war on terror, and I stand by those suggestions. However, right now, all hands must be on deck to support the Zamfara state government in securing the release of those abducted.

“The @NigeriaGov cannot expect the states to provide security of life and property in their domain, without giving them control over internal security. This is now a necessity.

“Thus, I call on the National and State Assemblies to begin the process of constitutional and legal reforms that will make this a reality. The Legislature must take the lead, as it seems the Executive may not be able to provide the needed leadership on this issue.

“My heart goes out to the families of the abducted children, and my right hand of fellowship is extended to Governor Matawalle, to help in any way possible.”

States Need to be Empowered to Control Their Internal Security.

My heart is very heavy over the abduction of our young daughters from Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe, Zamfara State.

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) February 26, 2021

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There has been a surge in kidnapping and banditry across the country in recent times, with over 1,000 students abducted from schools in the northern region since 2014.