Senate Demands Rescue Of Oyo School Victims, Seeks Security Offensive In Kwara

Nigerian lawmakers push for urgent action to free abducted victims and tackle persistent attacks across Oyo and Kwara.

Senate, on Wednesday, expressed worry over the worsening wave of kidnappings and violent attacks across the country and demanded the immediate rescue of abducted schoolchildren, teachers, and other victims in Oyo State.

It also called for urgent federal intervention to halt the escalating security crisis in Kwara North Senatorial District.

The upper chamber warned that the growing attacks on schools, communities, and traditional institutions posed a serious threat to national security, social stability, and the future of education in the country.

Its resolutions followed separate motions on the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State and the persistent attacks, killings, and kidnappings in Kwara North senatorial district.

On the Oyo situation, Senate directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to secure the release of dozens of schoolchildren, teachers, and other victims abducted by gunmen on May 15 in Ahoro-Esiele and neighbouring communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

Leading debate on the motion, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North) described the attack as a direct assault on the country’s future, stating that the victims were seized from what should have been a safe learning environment.

Buhari expressed concern that a toddler was among those abducted and lamented the killing of a teacher during the attack. He said the incident had heightened fear among residents and renewed concerns over the safety of schools in vulnerable communities.

The senate observed a minute silence in honour of those killed, and sympathised with affected families, the people of Oyo State, and the state government.

The lawmakers also urged the federal government to strengthen and expand the Safe Schools Initiative through improved surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enhanced security deployment around schools and rural communities.

Contributing to the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) called for stricter oversight of security spending to ensure appropriated funds were effectively utilised.

Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) urged state governments to play a more active role in support of security operations.

The senate acknowledged the recent visit of a federal government delegation, led by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to the affected communities.

Speaking with journalists after plenary, Buhari appealed to Nigerians not to politicise the tragedy. He stressed that the security agencies were working to secure the safe return of the victims and warned that disclosure of sensitive operational details could jeopardise rescue efforts.

Senate’s concerns further extended to Kwara North, where lawmakers decried recurring killings, kidnappings, and attacks on communities, including the burning of the palace of the Emir of Yashikira by armed criminals.

Presenting a motion, titled, “Urgent Need for Federal Government Intervention to Address the Re-occurring Insecurity in Kwara North Senatorial District,” Senator Sadiq Umar said the district had witnessed an alarming deterioration in security, marked by persistent attacks on innocent citizens and widespread destruction of property.

Umar told the senate that several months after the Woro massacre, many women and children abducted during the attack were still being held captive, leaving their families in prolonged anguish and uncertainty.

He disclosed that armed criminals recently attacked and set ablaze the palace of the Emir of Yashikira, abducting several members of the monarch’s family, including some of his wives and children.

According to him, communities in Patigi and Edu local government areas have also suffered repeated attacks, while criminal elements recently invaded Lafiagi township, killing and abducting residents.

The senator attributed the security challenge, partly, to the vast and difficult terrain around Kainji Lake National Park and adjoining forest reserves, which he said had become operational bases for criminal groups terrorisingcommunities in Kwara North and neighbouring states.

While commending the security agencies, local vigilantes, and community leaders for their efforts, he maintained that the persistence of attacks underscored the need for stronger government action.

Following the deliberation, Senate unanimously adopted all prayers contained in the motion and called on the federal government to reinforce the security architecture in Kwara North through the establishment of additional military bases, deployment of more personnel and equipment, and intensified joint operations to flush out criminal elements from the Kainji Lake forest axis and other identified hideouts.

It also urged the armed forces, Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue all kidnapped victims still in captivity across the district.

Lawmakers further called for the rehabilitation and expansion of critical road infrastructure in the area to improve accessibility, enhance security response, and stimulate economic activities.

The senate urged National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant agencies to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation support to affected families and communities.

To ensure effective oversight, the upper chamber mandated its committees on national security and intelligence, army, air force, police affairs, works and special duties to engage relevant stakeholders and report back within four weeks on measures being taken to address the security challenges.

Chuks Okocha, Sunday Aborisade, Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Folalumi Alaran in Abuja, Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan, Onuminya Innocent in Zamfara and LaleyeDipo in Minna