The Senate has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts and deploy all available resources to secure the immediate release of teachers, pupils and students abducted by terrorists in Oyo and Borno states, amid growing concerns over worsening insecurity across the country.
The lawmakers’ demand came as fresh attacks rocked Oyo State, with suspected gunmen reportedly raiding the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) office in Ogbomoso and abducting the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her 12-year-old twin sons in Ibadan.
The Senate’s resolution followed a motion titled “The Abduction of School Children, Teachers and a Toddler in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State,” sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North).
Lawmakers condemned the May 15 abduction of more than 40 teachers, pupils and students from schools in Ogbomoso and Oriire communities, describing the incident as a grave threat to national security and the future of education in Nigeria.
The upper chamber urged the Federal Government to strengthen and expand the Safe Schools Initiative through enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering and improved security deployment around vulnerable schools and rural communities nationwide.
The Senate also observed a minute’s silence in honour of victims who lost their lives during the attacks.
Presenting the motion, Senator Buhari expressed deep concern over the kidnapping of 49 individuals, including schoolchildren, teachers and a toddler, noting that one victim, mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the attackers.
“The victims were abducted from an environment that should represent safety, hope and the future of our nation,” Buhari said, describing the incident as a barbaric act that has heightened fear among residents and Nigerians at large.
During deliberations, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) urged the National Assembly to move beyond expressions of sympathy and hold security agencies accountable for resources allocated to combat insecurity.
He questioned the effectiveness of security operations and called for comprehensive audits of funds appropriated for the military and other security agencies.
“If we fail to carry out proper oversight of resources appropriated for security, the country may continue to witness worsening insecurity,” Oshiomhole warned.
Similarly, Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) called for greater accountability from service chiefs, raising concerns over persistent complaints about inadequate welfare and allowances for security personnel despite significant budgetary allocations.
“The question is: where is the money going?” Musa asked, urging lawmakers to perform their constitutional oversight responsibilities without fear or favour.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau reaffirmed the Senate’s support for the armed forces and called for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders in tackling insecurity.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We must work together to defeat the enemies of our nation and restore peace across the country,” Barau said.
Fresh Attacks in Oyo
As the Senate debated the security situation, reports emerged that armed men attacked the Nigeria Immigration Service office in Ogbomoso on Tuesday night, allegedly overpowering officers on duty and carting away firearms.
The incident reportedly occurred along the Ogbomoso–Ilorin Expressway near the Ayanyan Cattle Market.
Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said he had yet to receive an official briefing on the incident but promised updates as investigations continue.
In a separate attack, gunmen abducted Mrs Olaide Busayo John-Paul, younger sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons, Peter and Paul, while she was reportedly taking the children to school in the Elewura-Challenge area of Ibadan.
The family confirmed the incident in a statement issued by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, expressing confidence in the ability of security agencies to secure their safe release.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the abduction and disclosed that tactical teams had been deployed, while the victim’s vehicle had already been recovered.
Atiku, Obi and NLC Demand Urgent Action
Reacting to the abduction of the schoolchildren, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately mobilise all security and intelligence agencies to secure the unconditional release of the victims.
Atiku criticised reports that government officials had visited affected families with palliatives, describing the gesture as inadequate in the face of the tragedy.
“Parents whose children have been kidnapped are not asking for rice; they are asking for their children to be brought home safely,” he said.
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi also appealed directly to the kidnappers to release the children, urging them to consider the humanity and innocence of their captives.
“No grievance or hardship can outweigh the sanctity of a child’s life,” Obi stated.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) threatened to embark on a nationwide solidarity action with teachers and other workers if authorities fail to address the growing insecurity confronting schools and communities.
NLC President Joe Ajaero described the ongoing strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) as a necessary response to repeated attacks on educators and students.
“Our hearts are with the teachers, pupils and workers who continue to bear the brunt of this security crisis,” Ajaero said.
As pressure mounts on the Federal Government, stakeholders have warned that restoring security to schools and communities must remain a national priority to prevent further attacks and safeguard the country’s future generation.
Comments