Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, has expressed deep concern and sympathy to the people and government of Kebbi State following the reported abduction of the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Samaila Bambu.
Kalu described the news as “shocking and distressing,” lamenting that insecurity in Nigeria has reached an alarming level that demands urgent and sincere intervention from all tiers of government.
In a statement on Saturday morning, Kalu said he was “deeply pained” by the abduction and urged the Federal Government to adopt a more decisive approach to combat the growing wave of kidnappings, insurgency, and banditry across the country.
“This incident in Kebbi once again shows that insecurity has become a nationwide problem that must be confronted without politics or bias,” Kalu said.
“I have said it several times — the Federal Government must take stronger, more coordinated steps to protect Nigerians. We cannot continue like this.”
The senator commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the country, describing him as “a leader determined to build a safer and better Nigeria.” However, he stressed that the President’s good intentions must be backed by action at all levels of governance.
Confirming the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, said the government had received reports of the abduction and was working with security agencies to verify details and ensure the lawmaker’s safe return.
“Yes, I just got the information about the alleged abduction of the Deputy Speaker in his hometown this evening,” Idris said.
“I am already in touch with the Director of Security in the state. Once I get the full details of what transpired, I will brief the public on the government’s position.”
Idris assured citizens that the state government was “on top of the situation” and that efforts were underway to rescue the abducted lawmaker unharmed.
Sources from Bagudo, the Deputy Speaker’s hometown, revealed that gunmen stormed the area on Friday evening, shooting indiscriminately and causing panic among residents. According to eyewitnesses, Hon. Bambu was abducted shortly after observing his evening prayers and while returning home from the mosque.
Reacting to the broader issue of insecurity, Senator Kalu reiterated his long-standing position that security challenges in Nigeria should never be treated as political issues. He emphasized that saving lives and restoring peace must come before political interests.
“The issue of insecurity should not be handled with politics but with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.
“The situation is deteriorating, and urgent action is needed.”
Kalu, who chairs the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission, had earlier in the year responded to remarks by Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, who warned that parts of his state were falling back under the control of insurgents.
According to Kalu then, Zulum’s warning must be taken seriously. “The Minister of Information may mean well, but the truth is that Governor Zulum is right.
“If we fail to act decisively in Borno and the South-East, these regions could be completely overrun,” he cautioned.
He had urged the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to avoid downplaying the gravity of the situation and to ensure that President Tinubu receives a full and honest briefing on the security realities across the country.
The former Abia State Governor praised the Nigerian Army, the Police, and other security agencies for their efforts in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
