The minority caucus of the House of Representatives has accused the federal government of failing in its core responsibilities, citing worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and alleged efforts to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a press conference at the National Assembly on Wednesday, the Minority Leader, Hon. Fred Agbedi, expressed concern over what he described as a dangerous combination of insecurity, poor governance, and attempts to undermine democratic opposition through the judiciary.
The caucus particularly condemned the killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while in captivity after being abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State. According to Agbedi, the incident highlights the deteriorating security situation across the country and raises serious concerns about the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
Describing the development as a national tragedy, Agbedi said the death of the retired military officer was a stark reflection of the growing insecurity plaguing the nation.
“That a general of the Nigerian Army, who once commanded troops and defended this nation, could be kidnapped alongside his wife and later declared dead under unclear circumstances is a grave indictment of a failed state,” he stated.
The caucus noted that the incident follows the deaths of several senior military officers in the ongoing battle against insurgency, warning that insecurity has continued to spread across multiple regions of the country.
Agbedi called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently present a comprehensive and effective security strategy to address the persistent threats posed by banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping. He stressed that these criminal activities continue to endanger lives, disrupt communities, and undermine public confidence in government.
The lawmakers also raised concerns over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State. They called for immediate and coordinated military action to secure their release, describing the situation as unacceptable.
“As we speak, school children and their teachers abducted in Oyo State remain in captivity. Their crime? Going to school in Nigeria,” Agbedi said.
The Minority Caucus urged security agencies to intensify rescue efforts, emphasizing that every moment spent in captivity places the lives and future of the victims at greater risk. The lawmakers maintained that the government must demonstrate greater commitment to safeguarding citizens and restoring confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
