John Alechenu

Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has appealed to the Federal Government to act fast after terrorists abducted students writing NECO exams in Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The terrorists who reportedly disguised as soldiers and members of the newly formed Forest Guard unit, opened fire, and abducted students and food vendors on the school premises, on Monday.

Ndume, who represents Borno South, said the incident came at a time when the fate of 42 students abducted last month in the same council was still unknown.

In a statement in Abuja, on Monday, Ndume said, “This fresh abduction is disconcerting, coming at a time when we don’t know the fate of children of Mussa who were kidnapped last month.”

He urged 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 Buratai-Biu Road, and those abducted today.”

The lawmaker further said, “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.”

Ndume also commended troops and other security agencies on ground for pursuing the attackers and securing the release of some victims.

He, however, stressed the need for better collaboration among security agencies to prevent further attacks.

“The Federal Government in collaboration with the State Government must do more to convince Nigerians that it is walking its talk on the emergency on security,” he said.

The fresh abduction came at a time when residents of Mussa are still at a loss about the fate of 42 pupils and students abducted last month after suspected Boko Haram fighters attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in the same Askira/Uba.