The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has called for an urgent review of Nigeria’s current security architecture, following the abduction of pupils and teachers of St. Mary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
Turaki made the call on Thursday when he led members of the PDP National Working Committee on a sympathy visit to the Niger State Government.
He said the magnitude of security challenges confronting the nation required a collaborative and non-partisan approach.
He noted that the party shared in the pain of the affected families and the people of Niger State, stressing that the PDP would support every effort aimed at restoring peace.
According to him, “We feel what you feel, and we are with you at this very challenging moment. We will support you in whatever way we can to ensure there is peace and progress in Niger State and indeed in our country.”
Turaki added that the opposition had a responsibility to rise above political divisions in moments of national distress. “We may be an opposition party, but we believe in responsible opposition. At times like this, leaders must forget political differences and come together to find a lasting solution to this problem,” he said.
He commended the Niger State Government and security agencies for ongoing efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and staff of the school.
In his remarks, the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, thanked the PDP leadership for the visit, describing it as an act of humanity, solidarity and commitment to democratic values.
He warned that the persistent activities of terrorists pose a serious danger to Nigeria’s democratic order and called for collective action to confront insecurity.
Bago urged the PDP and other opposition parties to continue contributing to national development, noting that constructive opposition helps improve governance and strengthen policy outcomes.
The governor also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in ongoing efforts to rescue the victims, assuring that all relevant stakeholders were working round the clock to ensure their safe return.
