‘This reign of terror must stop’ — Accord Party condemns abduction of IDPs, students

The Accord Party (AP) has condemned the abduction of schoolchildren and women in Borno and Kaduna states.

On Thursday morning, bandits abducted over 200 students from a primary and secondary school in the Kuriga community in Chikun LGA of Kaduna.

In Borno, bandits abducted over 200 internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are women from their camp in Ngala LGA on Tuesday.

The AP in a statement on Friday by Joseph Omorogbe, its national publicity secretary, described the incidents as “barbaric”, adding that “the reign of terror in the country must stop”.

The party also called for more synergy between security agencies to prevent future occurrences.

“The National Chairman of Accord Party, Barr Maxwell Mgbudem, strongly condemns the abduction of over 200 school children at LEA Primary and Junior Secondary School, Kuriga in Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State on March 7, 2024. It is outrageous, barbaric, despicable, and sadism of the worst order,” the statement reads.

“Accord party demands their immediate release to reunite with their families and continue their education. The party also demands the release of all citizens held captive by terrorists, insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers across the country. This reign of terror must stop forthwith.

“The essence of government is to protect lives and property in tandem with Section 14(2)b, which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

“Sadly, this clear provision of the constitution is observed in the breach by successive governments that tackled insecurity with a kid’s glove in their quest for power and personal aggrandisement.

“Today, Nigeria has turned to a killing field with kidnappers on the rampage. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes and their sponsors must be apprehended to face justice.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with these traumatized school children and their families as we pray to God for their safe return. The nation needs compassionate leaders who feel the pulse and pains of the citizenry and take proactive measures to safeguard their interests and well-being.

“Security agents should sit up and take their constitutional duties seriously. There must be synergy amongst various security services on intelligence gathering, sharing, and execution to avert these daily tragedies that have afflicted the nation for years as if there is no government in place.”

The party also urged the federal government to adequately equip and motivate security agencies to boost the fight against insecurity.

“As the world celebrates this year’s International Women’s Day, with the theme #InspireInclusion, 300 women recently abducted by Boko Haram in Borno State while fetching firewood in the bush are still in captivity,” the Accord Party said.

“As a mass movement, Accord shares the pain of these helpless women and urges security agents to effect their unconditional release. Our great party is gender friendly and will continue to inspire understanding and appreciation for women’s inclusion in party and national positions.

“This is the only way Nigerian women will experience a profound sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment in the quest for a better, greater, more equitable, and prosperous nation. In one Accord, we shall overcome all obstacles and foster sustainable democracy in Nigeria.”