Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed sadness at the abduction of schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe, Zamfara State.

The schoolgirls numbering 317 were abducted by bandits who stormed their school in the early hours of Friday in Hilux vehicles and motorcycles.

The attack comes days after over 300 students from Government Science College, Kagara in Niger State were abducted by bandits who have since released them.

Reacting to the abduction in Zamfara, Atiku in a statement titled ‘States need to be empowered to control their internal security,’ advised the National and State Assemblies to empower states towards controlling their internal security.

He said, “My heart is very heavy over the abduction of our young daughters from Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe, Zamfara State.

“I have had a phone conversation with the Governor of Zamfara, H.E Bello Matawalle, and I am informed that his government is doing everything in its power to secure the release of the abducted students.

“I have previously made recommendations on how our beloved nation can defeat enemies of the state and win the war on terror, and I stand by those suggestions.

“However, right now, all hands must be on deck to support the Zamfara State government in securing the release of those abducted.

“The @NigeriaGov cannot expect the states to provide security of life and property in their domain, without giving them control over internal security. This is now a necessity.

“Thus, I call on the National and State Assemblies to begin the process of constitutional and legal reforms that will make this a reality. The Legislature must take the lead, as it seems the Executive may not be able to provide the needed leadership on this issue.

“My heart goes out to the families of the abducted children, and my right hand of fellowship is extended to Governor Matawalle, to help in any way possible.”

castrokins:
Atiku Has Done More As A Private Citizen Than Buhari The President

Anneka101:
The solution to the current insecurity situation should start from the root, we should have local government police.

State government police and the Federal police, just like the arms of government. Then we can tackle these bandits destroying the country.

It shocks me when I remember we have Buhari who doesn't take shit but here we are no week that goes by without mass kidnapping.

wink2015:
State police should be the immediate solution to the insecurity challenges in the northern states including other region.

wink2015:
State police should be the immediate solution to the insecurity challenges in the northern states including other region.

Tap0lane:
When will Atiku open his mouth n tell foolish Igbos that his tribe which is same Buhari is the one producing bandit, terrorists, boko haram etc that is being used to ridicule Nigeria. Isn't that more important than the foolishness he's spilling. Wetin concern bandit n boko haram financier on what Nigeria should do or not do.

Anneka101:
The solution to the current insecurity situation should start from the root, we should have local government police.

State government police and the Federal police, just like the arms of government. Then we can tackle these bandits destroying the country.

It shocks me when I remember we have Buhari who doesn't take shit but here we are no week that goes by without mass kidnapping.

Basoenewokoma:
...as it seems the Executive may not be able to provide the needed leadership on this issue.