Nigeria, June 9 -- The House of Representatives on Tuesday called for immediate and decisive action by the federal government to stem the rising wave of banditry, mass kidnappings and attacks on schools and places of worship across the country.

The lawmakers also said if insecurity persists and the government is unable to restore order within a specified period, the service chiefs should resign honourably for failing to fulfil the constitutional mandate of protecting citizens.

The call followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Ibe Osonwa (LP, Abia), who raised concerns over what he described as the deteriorating security situation and the growing threat to school children, religious worshippers and rural...