By Daily Review Online
The Senate has urged the Federal Government and security agencies to deploy all available resources to secure the immediate release of teachers, pupils and students abducted by gunmen in Oyo and Borno states, amid growing national outrage over the worsening security situation.
The lawmakers also called for the strengthening of the Safe Schools Initiative through enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering and increased security presence around vulnerable schools and communities across the country.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North) on the abduction of schoolchildren, teachers and a toddler in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. During plenary, the Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of victims who lost their lives during the attacks.
Contributing to the debate, Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Sani Musa stressed the need for greater accountability within the nation’s security architecture. They called for a comprehensive review of security spending and urged service chiefs to account for resources allocated to tackle insecurity.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, commended the efforts of security agencies while emphasizing that accountability and collective action remain essential to defeating criminal elements across the country.
The Senate’s intervention came as fresh security concerns emerged in Oyo State. Suspected gunmen reportedly attacked the Nigeria Immigration Service office in Ogbomoso, disarming officers and making away with firearms. Authorities were still investigating the incident as of press time.
In a separate development, the family of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, confirmed the abduction of his younger sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons in Ibadan. Police said tactical teams had been deployed and investigations were ongoing to secure their release.
The wave of kidnappings has drawn reactions from prominent political leaders and labour groups. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar urged President Bola Tinubu to mobilise all security and intelligence assets to rescue the abducted schoolchildren, warning that protecting citizens is a fundamental responsibility of government.
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi also appealed directly to the kidnappers to release the children, describing their ordeal as a painful reflection of Nigeria’s security crisis and calling on the abductors to act in the interest of humanity.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), meanwhile, expressed solidarity with teachers affected by the attacks and warned that it could embark on nationwide solidarity actions if governments fail to address rising insecurity and the persistent abduction of teachers and students.
The growing concern follows the May 15 abduction of more than 40 teachers, pupils and students from schools in Ogbomoso and Oriire communities of Oyo State, many of whom remain in captivity more than two weeks later.