Nigerian Lawmakers Demand Action Amidst Security Crisis

Nigerian Lawmakers have called on the presidency, armed forces and police to address the country’s mounting security crisis, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency.

A resolution passed in the House of Reps, said the president should immediately declare a state of emergency on security so as to fast track all measures to ensure the restoration of peace in the country.

One Lawmaker, Smart Adeyemi, said the president must rise to the occasion and bring in people to save this country or else they will be consumed.

The resolutions in the lower chamber come amid rising violence and lawlessness across the country with the military deployed across most of Nigeria’s states, appearing to be overwhelmed.

The senate upper house called for “massive recruitment” for the military and police and procurement of new equipment for security forces.

Meanwhile, the senate also resolved for its leadership to meet Buhari to discuss the insecurity, and invite Nigeria’s army chief and other commanders and intelligence chiefs to speak on the matter.

In the northwest, gunmen have kidnapped more than 700 schoolchildren since December, as militants pillage communities in the region.

Meanwhile, the military did not immediately respond to calls and messages seeking comment while a presidency spokesman declined to comment.