The Senate yesterday asked the Federal Government to intensify efforts and deploy all necessary resources for immediate rescue of teachers, pupils and students abducted by terrorists in Oyo and Borno states.
The call came as suspected gunmen on Tuesday night, reportedly attacked the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, office in Ogbomoso, also in Oyo State, making away with firearms belonging to officers on duty.
This is also as the family of former Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, yesterday, confirmed abduction of his younger sister, Mrs Olaide Busayo John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, by armed gunmen in Ibadan.
Consequently, concerned Nigerians, including the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, and the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, have asked the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently rescue the teachers, pupils and students still in the terrorists’ dens, more than two weeks after.
Recall that on May 15, 2026, over 40 teachers, pupils and students of Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota); Community Grammar School (Esiele), and L.A. Primary School, Ogbomoso, and Oriire communities of Oyo State were kidnapped by terrorists.
The kidnap of the schoolchildren, students and their teachers sparked reactions yesterday from senators as they condemned the abduction in the strongest terms.
The Red Chamber also called on the Federal Government to strengthen and expand the Safe Schools Initiative through enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering and improved security deployment around vulnerable schools and communities across the country.
The Senate observed one minute silence in honour of those who died in the course of the kidnaps, adding that it is sad that these criminals and evil-minded people are now everywhere in the country.
According to the lawmakers, security should be beefed up in the country to ensure protection of lives and properties of Nigerians.
Resolutions of the Senate yesterday were sequel to a motion, titled “The Abduction of School Children, Teachers and a Toddler in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.”
The motion was sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North), with additional prayer by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), that there should be a comprehensive audit of all releases to the military.
This was, however, dropped as there was no seconder to the motion for an additional prayer.
Earlier in his presentation, Senator Buhari, who came under Order 41, 51 of the Senate Standing Orders, said, among others: “The Senate notes with grave alarm and deep national outrage the abduction of 49 people, comprising school children, teachers and a toddler by armed kidnappers in Ahoro-Esiele and adjoining communities of Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Three were shot, one was beheaded, while 45 remain in captivity
“That the victims were abducted from a learning environment which ought to symbolise safety, hope and the future of our nation.
“Deeply disturbed that among those in captivity is a toddler whose age and vulnerability underscores the cruelty and inhumanity of the perpetrators.
“Saddled that one of the victims of the brutal attack, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher, was beheaded in a gruesome manner and recorded for public to view. This was a most barbaric act, which has struck fear into the people of the state and Nigerians at large.
“Concerned that the incident has generated anxiety and public outrage, while raising serious concerns about the security of schools and rural communities across the federation.’’
Senate can do more
Contributing to the debate on the issue, Senator Oshiomhole, who advised that the Senate could do more than lamentation, asked that the Armed Forces be held accountable. According to him, if the National Assembly fails to carry out proper oversight of resources appropriated for security, the country might continue to face worsening insecurity.
Oshiomhole raised concerns over lack of accountability regarding the abduction of schoolchildren in a community where military personnel had reportedly been withdrawn shortly before the attack.
He recalled that while military personnel stationed at the school were ordered to withdraw, terrorists invaded and abducted nearly 200 children about 40 minutes later.
The lawmaker noted that the Senate had previously passed a resolution directing the military high command to disclose the identity of the officer responsible for the withdrawal order and explain what action had been taken against him.
“To the best of my knowledge, we have not received any response to that simple inquiry,” he said.
Oshiomhole said if the Armed Forces are not held accountable and the National Assembly failed to carry out proper oversight of resources appropriated for security, the country might continue to face worsening insecurity.
“We need to do more than lament. We need to conduct security audits. We need to know how appropriated funds were spent, who received them, and what results were achieved. This Senate is entitled to answers to the questions it has unanimously asked,” he said.
On his part, Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), acknowledged efforts made by successive administrations to strengthen the country’s security architecture through procurement, recruitment and increased funding.
He noted that service chiefs had been brought closer to the seat of government to enable effective monitoring of security operations and commended security agencies for their efforts, despite enormous challenges they face.
However, he argued that there is a distinction between officers who formulated policies and those who carry out operations on the frontlines.
“I think the time has come for the National Assembly to call service chiefs to account for resources appropriated to them. If this is not done, overcoming insecurity will remain difficult,” he said.
The senator also questioned the management of security funds, noting persistent complaints about inadequate allowances and welfare for troops, despite significant budgetary allocations.
“We have been allocating resources year after year, yet we continue to hear that there is not enough money for allowances for our servicemen. The question is: where is the money going?” he queried.
He urged lawmakers to perform their constitutional oversight responsibilities without fear or favour, insisting that transparency and accountability were critical to improving security outcomes.
In his remarks, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North), who presided during discussions on the motion, said: “It is commendable that decisive action has been taken by the President.
‘’The military has also been urged to step up its efforts in addressing security challenges facing the nation. Of course, they are already doing their best, and we are proud of our men and women in uniform who continue to make sacrifices in the line of duty.
“Those calling for accountability are not wrong. That is how the system works, there must be accountability in every sector and in all that we do. While it is important to hold those responsible accountable, it does not diminish the sacrifices and commitment of our security personnel as they confront the enemies of our nation.
“We urge our Armed Forces to remain steadfast in safeguarding lives and property. We also encourage the President not to relent in the fight against insecurity.
“Whenever criminals and enemies of the state are confronted, they will attempt to fight back and create fear and instability. However, the best response is not to waver or falter, but to continue the fight until they are defeated.
“They will ultimately be brought to justice, and this challenge will come to an end. It is important to note that security is a collective responsibility. It does not rest on the shoulders of one arm of government alone.
‘’We must work together, the executive, the legislature, the military, and all stakeholders bringing our wisdom, foresight, and resources together to end these atrocities being committed by the enemies of our nation.”
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