The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government to secure the release of abducted school children and teachers in Oyo State, while demanding sweeping reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture.
Speaking during a media briefing at the National Assembly on Wednesday, House Minority Leader, Fred Agbedi, criticized the current state of security in the country and urged the government to take decisive action against rising insecurity.
Agbedi described the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in 2025 as a measure allegedly aimed at political opponents rather than addressing the nation’s security challenges. He called on the Federal Government to move beyond what he termed propaganda and instead strengthen intelligence gathering, improve the welfare of frontline troops, and ensure accountability among political appointees.
The caucus also condemned the killing of Major-General Rabe Abubakar while in terrorist captivity in Katsina State, demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his abduction and death.
According to Agbedi, Nigerians deserve answers on how terrorists were able to abduct and kill a senior military officer with apparent impunity.
On the recent abduction of school children and teachers in Oyo State, the opposition lawmakers called for an immediate special military operation to secure their release within 72 hours.
The caucus decried the recurring incidents of mass abductions across the country, insisting that terrorists must no longer be allowed to dictate terms while government responses remain limited to official statements.
The lawmakers also reacted to the recent judgment by Justice Peter Lifu ordering the deregistration of five political parties. Agbedi described the ruling as a dangerous development capable of creating judicial confusion and undermining democratic participation.
He urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to intervene and address what he described as conflicting court judgments on party deregistration, warning that such decisions could further damage public confidence in the judiciary.
The caucus further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to resist any attempt to compromise the democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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It maintained that the opposition would not accept any attempt to manipulate the electoral process before voting begins.
The lawmakers also urged President Tinubu to suspend all activities related to the 2027 elections and focus on governance by unveiling a six-month National Security and Economic Recovery Plan.
According to the caucus, national security and economic stability should take precedence over politics, stressing that the protection of lives and welfare of Nigerians remains the primary responsibility of government.
Despite the challenges facing the country, the caucus urged Nigerians not to lose hope, assuring citizens that the outcome of the 2027 general elections would ultimately be determined by the people.
“Politics must take the back seat when the country bleeds,” Agbedi said, calling on the government to prioritize securing the nation and restoring public confidence.