ABUJA — The Senate on Tuesday strongly condemned the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren, teachers and a toddler in communities within Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as a grave attack on education, public safety and the nation’s future.
Afrilensnews reports that the upper legislative chamber adopted a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, who represents Oyo North Senatorial District, calling for intensified rescue operations and stronger security measures to protect schools across the country.
Presenting the motion, Senator Buhari informed lawmakers that 49 persons, including schoolchildren, teachers and a toddler, were abducted by armed kidnappers during the attack on Ahoro-Esiele and neighbouring communities. He disclosed that three victims were shot, one person was beheaded, while 45 others remain in captivity.
“The victims were abducted from a learning environment that ought to symbolize safety, hope and the future of our nation,” he said.
The senator described the killing of Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly beheaded by the attackers, as barbaric and inhumane, warning that continued attacks on educational institutions threaten the country’s long-term stability.
“When schools become hunting grounds for criminals, the future of the nation itself is imperiled,” Buhari stated.
The Senate noted that a Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, alongside the National Security Adviser, Minister of Defence and Inspector-General of Police, recently visited the affected communities to assess the situation and sympathise with victims’ families.
Responding to concerns raised by some lawmakers regarding the pace and visibility of the Federal Government’s intervention compared to previous mass abduction incidents in Niger and Kebbi states, Senator Buhari defended the government’s approach, arguing that security operations are often dictated by circumstances unique to each case.
“I disagree with that comparison.
Procedures may be different depending on the circumstances on the ground. The approach adopted in one situation may not necessarily be the same in another,” he said.
The lawmaker revealed that he had personally visited the affected communities several times before the arrival of the federal delegation and maintained regular communication with security agencies involved in rescue efforts.
“There are many things that cannot be discussed publicly when it comes to security matters. This particular incident is extremely painful and has several peculiar dimensions,” he added.
During the debate, Buhari recounted emotional encounters with families affected by the attack. He narrated the grief of the widow of the slain teacher, saying her only plea during his visit was for the return of her husband.
“All she kept saying was, ‘I just want my husband.’ The pain was unimaginable,” he said.
He further disclosed that another teacher was shot dead while attempting to escape through a window during the attack. He also narrated the killing of a commercial motorcycle rider who was allegedly mistaken for someone pursuing the kidnappers.
According to the senator, the rider was simply transporting a passenger between neighbouring communities when he was gunned down.
In another account highlighting the human cost of the incident, Buhari told lawmakers about a man whose wife and four children were abducted and who became so devastated that he contemplated taking his own life.
“I had to plead with him not to lose hope. I asked him to think about what would happen if his wife and children returned home and found that he was no longer there,” he said.
The senator painted a picture of widespread fear across the affected communities, revealing that many residents fled their homes following the attack. He noted that insecurity was so severe that even public officials faced difficulties accessing the area in the immediate aftermath.
“Everybody ran away from the town. The fear was overwhelming,” he said.
According to him, confidence gradually began returning after the deployment of military reinforcements and additional security personnel to support ongoing rescue operations.
“The deployment of troops helped restore confidence among residents and strengthened ongoing rescue efforts,” he noted.
Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously resolved to condemn the abduction, sympathise with affected families and the Oyo State Government, and urge security agencies to deploy every available resource toward securing the release of those still in captivity.
Lawmakers also called on the Federal Government to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative through enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering and improved protection for schools and vulnerable communities nationwide.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over persistent insecurity targeting schools and rural communities across Nigeria. Security analysts warn that recurring abductions could further disrupt education, deepen public distrust in state institutions and worsen humanitarian challenges in affected regions if decisive action is not taken.
“It is sad that these criminals and evil-minded people are now everywhere in our country. We must strengthen security to protect lives and property and ensure that our schools remain safe places for learning,” Senator Buhari said.
