The Nigerian Senate has expressed concerns over the worsening wave of kidnappings and violent attacks across the country and demanded the immediate rescue of abducted schoolchildren, teachers, and other victims in Oyo State.
The Senate’s concerns further extended to Kwara North, where lawmakers decried recurring killings, kidnappings, and attacks on communities, including the burning of the palace of the Emir of Yashikira by armed criminals.
The upper chamber warned that the growing attacks on schools, communities, and traditional institutions posed a serious threat to national security, social stability, and the future of education in the country.
These resolutions reached on Wednesday followed separate motions on the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State and the persistent attacks, killings, and kidnappings in Kwara North senatorial district.
On the Oyo situation, the Senate directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to secure the release of dozens of schoolchildren, teachers, and other victims abducted by gunmen on May 15 in Ahoro-Esiele and neighbouring communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
Leading debate on the motion, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North) described the attack as a direct assault on the country’s future, stating that the victims were seized from what should have been a safe learning environment.
Buhari expressed concern that a toddler was among those abducted and lamented the killing of a teacher during the attack. He said the incident had heightened fear among residents and renewed concerns over the safety of schools in vulnerable communities.
The Red chambers observed a minute silence in honour of those killed, and sympathised with affected families, the people of Oyo State, and the state government.
The senators further urged the federal government to strengthen and expand the Safe Schools Initiative through improved surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enhanced security deployment around schools and rural communities.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) demanded stricter oversight of security spending to ensure appropriated funds were effectively utilised.
Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) urged state governments to play a more active role in support of security operations.
The Senate acknowledged the recent visit of a federal government delegation, led by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to the affected communities.
Addressing newsmen after plenary, Buhari urged Nigerians not to politicise the tragedy. He stressed that the security agencies were working to secure the safe return of the victims and warned that disclosure of sensitive operational details could jeopardise rescue efforts.
