Senate Demands Immediate Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers
The Senate on Wednesday called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts and deploy all necessary resources toward the immediate rescue of schoolchildren, teachers and other victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The upper legislative chamber also urged the expansion of the Safe Schools Initiative, improved intelligence gathering, enhanced surveillance and stronger security deployment around vulnerable schools and communities across the country.
The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North) during plenary.
Presenting the motion, Buhari expressed concern over the attack on a school community in Oriire, where gunmen reportedly abducted 49 persons, including pupils, teachers and a toddler.
He further stated that three victims sustained gunshot injuries, one teacher was allegedly beheaded, while dozens of others remain in captivity.
According to the lawmaker, the attack on a learning environment, which should represent safety and hope for the future, has heightened fears among residents and Nigerians generally.
Describing the incident as “a most barbaric act,” Buhari said the attack had generated widespread anxiety and renewed concerns over the security of schools and rural communities across the country.
“When schools become hunting grounds for criminals, the future of the nation itself is imperilled,” he said.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) raised concerns over accountability within the nation’s security architecture, recalling a previous case involving the abduction of schoolchildren in Kebbi State.
Oshiomhole alleged that military personnel deployed to the affected school had been withdrawn shortly before the attack, paving the way for bandits to invade the community and abduct nearly 200 pupils.
He noted that the Senate had earlier passed a resolution directing military authorities to identify the officer responsible for the withdrawal order and provide details of any disciplinary action taken.
“To the best of my knowledge, we have not received any response to that simple inquiry,” he said.
The former Edo State governor stressed the need for stronger oversight of security agencies and accountability in the utilisation of resources appropriated for national security, warning that failure to do so could worsen the country’s security challenges.
Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously urged relevant authorities to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims and strengthen measures aimed at protecting schools and communities from future attacks.