The Nigerian Senate has strongly condemned the recent suicide bombings in Gwoza, Borno State, which claimed the lives of at least 18 people. The upper chamber of the National Assembly observed a minute of silence in honor of the victims and called on the federal government to provide relief materials to those affected by the attacks.
The motion, sponsored by Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume, highlighted the resurgence of suicide bombings in the region and the need to address the security challenges faced by the people of Borno State. Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, urged the government to deploy technology in the fight against insurgency and secure hotspots inhabited by the insurgents, such as the Lake Chad Region, Sambisa Forest, and the Mandara Mountains.
However, the Senate rejected a motion proposed by Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) to stop service chiefs from diverting funds meant for the procurement of ammunition to the construction of universities and other unprioritized projects. Oshiomhole accused previous service chiefs of misappropriating security funds for personal projects in their respective villages.
The rejection of the motion highlights the ongoing concerns about the misuse of security funds by military leadership. Senators Aliyu Wamako (APC, Sokoto North) and Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) echoed the need for the federal government to adopt the use of technology in the fight against insecurity, emphasizing the importance of addressing the resurgence of suicide bombings in Borno State.
Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South) revealed that an application on his mobile phone detected 277 guns within the National Assembly environment, underscoring the presence of firearms in the legislative chambers. He advised the Nigerian military to embrace technology in their approach to combating terrorism and other criminal activities.
Imasuen Bernards (LP, Edo South) expressed disappointment with the lack of tangible results from the numerous security meetings held in the Senate chamber with security chiefs. He criticized the fire brigade approach to fighting insecurity and called for a more effective intelligence-driven strategy.
The Senate’s rejection of the motion to curb the misuse of security funds by service chiefs raises questions about the accountability and transparency in the allocation and utilization of resources meant for the fight against insurgency. As the nation grapples with the resurgence of suicide bombings and other security challenges, the Senate’s decision not to address the alleged diversion of funds by military leadership may undermine public confidence in the government’s ability to effectively tackle the crisis.
