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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The National Forum of Former Legislators has strongly condemned the recent attacks on students in Kebbi State and worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, describing the incidents as painful reminders of Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Rt. Hon. Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe, the forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it called a “prompt, decisive, and compassionate response” to the tragedies.
According to the group, President Tinubu demonstrated “admirable sensitivity” by postponing his scheduled trips to the G20 and AU–EU Summits to receive expanded security briefings, as well as ordering additional military and police deployments to the affected communities, particularly Eruku and the broader Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Igbokwe noted that the President’s directive to security agencies to “exhaust all means” in rescuing the 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi, and to ensure perpetrators of the Eruku church attack are brought to justice, reflected a hands-on and responsible approach to crisis management.
He added that the President’s insistence on timely and coordinated updates from the Vice President, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS), was reassuring and demonstrated leadership grounded in accountability.
The forum distanced itself from calls for President Tinubu to resign a demand issued earlier by a group it described as “self-styled ex-legislators.”
According to Igbokwe, such calls are “undemocratic, unacceptable, unhelpful, and dangerously premature.”
“We reject in its entirety every inflammatory and partisan condemnation that does nothing to solve Nigeria’s pressing security problems,” he said.
“As former legislators committed to the welfare of all Nigerians, we believe national unity and lawful, constructive engagement are the only meaningful paths forward.”
The group expressed solidarity with victims and their families, urging security agencies to sustain “the highest level of professionalism and urgency” until the kidnapped children are safely reunited with their families and all attackers are held accountable.
It also encouraged continued transparent communication from the Presidency and security institutions to keep the public informed and assured during ongoing rescue and security operations.
Reaffirming its support for the President’s actions, the National Forum of Former Legislators called on all stakeholders to cooperate fully with security efforts, prioritize humanitarian support for affected communities, and collectively work toward restoring peace and justice across the country.