The Senate on Wednesday called for the immediate rescue of dozens of schoolchildren, teachers, and other victims abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, warning that the escalating wave of attacks on schools poses a grave threat to the nation’s future.
The upper chamber also urged the Federal Government to strengthen and expand the Safe Schools Initiative through enhanced surveillance, improved intelligence gathering, and increased security deployment around vulnerable schools and communities nationwide.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo Central), who drew attention to the May 15 attack on Ahoro-Esiele and neighbouring communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
Leading the debate, Buhari noted that the victims, including schoolchildren and teachers, were abducted from what should have been a safe learning environment, while several lives were lost during the attack. He described the incident as a direct assault on the nation’s future, warning that insecurity around schools could erode public confidence in education and deepen fear across rural communities.
The senator also expressed concern over reports that a toddler was among those abducted, describing it as evidence of the attackers’ brutality. He further lamented the killing of a teacher during the incident, calling it a tragic reminder of the persistent security challenges confronting many communities.
According to him, the attack has heightened anxiety in Oyo State and renewed concerns about the safety of schools and residents in vulnerable areas.
The Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of those who lost their lives and extended its condolences to the affected families, the people of Oyo State, and the state government.
Lawmakers also directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to secure the release of those still in captivity and to prevent similar attacks across the country.
During the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) called for a comprehensive review of funds appropriated to security agencies, stressing the need for the National Assembly to intensify oversight of security spending to ensure greater accountability and effectiveness.
Similarly, Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) urged state governments to play a more active role in supporting security operations, noting that ungoverned spaces across the country continue to provide opportunities for criminal activities.
The Senate also acknowledged recent efforts by a Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, alongside other top security officials, who visited the affected community to sympathise with victims and assess the situation.
Speaking with journalists after plenary, Senator Buhari appealed to Nigerians not to politicise the tragedy, stressing that ongoing rescue efforts require caution, particularly given the number of children involved. He noted that security agencies are working diligently to secure the safe return of the victims and warned that the disclosure of sensitive operational details could jeopardise those efforts.
He emphasised that the priority must remain the safe release of the abductees and the restoration of public confidence in the safety of schools and communities across the country.