Senate Condemns Oyo School Abduction, Demands Urgent Rescue of Remaining Victims

By Owobe Joyce, Pan Afric Reporters

Abuja, Nigeria – The Senate on Tuesday strongly condemned the abduction of dozens of school children, teachers, and a toddler in Ahoro-Esiele and neighbouring communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as a tragic attack on Nigeria’s education system and the future of its children.

The upper legislative chamber called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice, warning that attacks on schools threaten national security and public confidence in the country’s educational institutions.

The position of the Senate followed a motion sponsored by Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, who represents Oyo North Senatorial District, during plenary in Abuja.

Presenting the motion titled “The Abduction of School Children, Teachers and a Toddler in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State,” Senator Buhari expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in the area and the continued captivity of dozens of victims.

According to him, 49 persons, including school children, teachers and a toddler, were abducted during the attack by armed kidnappers. He disclosed that three victims sustained gunshot injuries, one person was brutally 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 lawmaker particularly lamented the gruesome killing of a Mathematics teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly beheaded by the attackers.

Describing the act as barbaric and inhumane, Senator Buhari said the incident has generated widespread fear, grief and outrage among residents of Oyo State and Nigerians across the country.

“When schools become hunting grounds for criminals, the future of the nation itself is imperiled,” he warned.

The Senate also acknowledged the intervention of the Federal Government, including the visit by a high-powered delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, alongside the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence and the Inspector-General of Police, who visited the affected communities to sympathise with victims and assess the security situation.

Addressing concerns over comparisons with the Federal Government’s response to previous kidnapping incidents in other parts of the country, Senator Buhari defended the actions taken so far, insisting that security operations are often tailored to the peculiarities of 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 stated.

The senator revealed that he personally visited the affected communities several times and maintained close communication with security agencies coordinating 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.

Senator Buhari also recounted emotional encounters with families affected by the tragedy, including the widow of the slain teacher.

“All she kept saying was, ‘I just want my husband.’ The pain was unimaginable,” he said.

He disclosed that another teacher was shot dead while attempting to escape during the attack, while a commercial motorcycle rider was also killed after being mistaken for someone pursuing the kidnappers.

The lawmaker further narrated the ordeal of a man whose wife and four children were abducted, saying the victim 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 recounted.

Senator Buhari described the atmosphere in the affected communities as one of fear and panic, noting that many residents fled their homes in the aftermath of the attack.

“Everybody ran away from the town. The fear was overwhelming,” he said.

According to him, the deployment of additional military personnel and security assets by the Federal Government helped restore confidence among residents and strengthened ongoing rescue operations.

Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously adopted resolutions condemning the abduction, commiserating with affected families and the Government of Oyo State, and urging security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to secure the release of those still in captivity.

The Senate also called on the Federal Government to strengthen and expand the Safe Schools Initiative through enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering and improved security around schools and vulnerable communities nationwide.

Concluding the debate, Senator Buhari stressed the urgent need for sustained efforts to protect citizens and safeguard educational institutions across the country.

“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,” he said.