Senate Mourns Victims of Oyo School Abduction, Demands Stronger Protection for Schools 

The Senate on Tuesday strongly condemned the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, describing the incident as a painful tragedy and an attack on the nation’s collective humanity. The condemnation came as lawmakers resumed plenary after the Sallah recess, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio leading senators in observing a one-minute silence in honour of two teachers and a pupil who lost their lives during the attack. 

Addressing the chamber, Akpabio said the abduction had cast a dark cloud over the country and highlighted the urgent need for stronger security measures to protect schools, teachers, and students across Nigeria. He noted that attacks on educational institutions threaten the nation’s future, as children and teachers are critical to national development and progress.

The Senate President paid tribute to the late Michael Oyedokun, who reportedly died in captivity, and Adesiyan Adegboye, who was killed during the attack. He also mourned the death of a pupil whose life was cut short by the tragic incident. According to him, the Senate shares the grief of the bereaved families and stands in solidarity with the affected school community and the people of Oyo State.

Despite the tragedy, Akpabio expressed confidence that ongoing efforts by security agencies would lead to the safe rescue of those still being held captive. He called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and continue supporting the work of security operatives in tackling insecurity across the country.

The Senate President also warned against politicising the incident, urging politicians and public figures not to exploit the suffering of victims for partisan interests. He stressed that insecurity is a national challenge that affects all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation, religion, or ethnicity, and therefore requires a united response.

Reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to national security, Akpabio called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, and citizens to safeguard schools and communities. He emphasized the need to ensure that perpetrators of kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes face the full weight of the law.

The Senate’s position comes amid growing concerns over recurring attacks on schools and educational institutions in different parts of the country, with stakeholders increasingly demanding comprehensive measures to guarantee the safety of students, teachers, and learning environments nationwide.