Protect universities, others, Reps charge FG

The House of Representatives , on Wednesday, has raised the alarm over a spread of the recent attacks on the Ahmadu Bello University , Zaria , in Kaduna State to other institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.

The House called on the Federal Government to “ urgently and without further delay ” erect a secure wall round the campuses of the ABU as was done for the University of Maiduguri in Borno State and the Gwagwalada campus of the University of Abuja.

This , the House stated, is necessary in order to “ forestall incursions from the bandits and other miscreants . ”

The House also called on the Inspector -General of Police, Mohammed Adamu , to “ urgently and without further delay ” establish units of its Mobile Police Force personnel at the institution , particularly at the Phase 2 segment of its Samaru campus to ensure the security of lives and property at all times.

The House further called on the Chief of Army Staff , Lt . – Gen . Tukur Buratai , to also “ urgently and without further delay ” establish a battalion of the Nigerian Army at the southern border of the ABU “ to forestall incursions into the campus from that end , which has attained a certain notoriety in this regard. ”

In addition , the House mandated its Committees on Tertiary Education ; and National Security and Intelligence to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Education , the Chief of Army Staff , the Inspector General of Police and other relevant agencies of government to implement the resolutions and report back within three weeks.

A member representing Sabon- Gari Federal Constituency in Kaduna State , Mr Garba Muhammad, had moved a motion of urgent national importance , titled ‘ Urgent Need to Address the Security Threats Posed by the Phenomenon of Banditry , Particularly Kidnapping and Abduction , to the Ahmadu Bello University , Zaria , and Other Tertiary Institutions Across the Nation . ’

Moving the motion, which was co -sponsored by some other members from Kaduna , Messrs Tajudeen Abbas, Shehu Balarabe , Muktar Ladan and Ibrahim Hamza, Muhammad said the spate of insecurity in Nigeria has been “ a matter of grave concern to all well – meaning patriots for several years now . ”