The Senate has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts and deploy all available resources to secure the release of kidnapped school children, teachers, and students abducted by terrorists in Oyo and Borno states. The resolution followed growing concern over the continued captivity of dozens of victims seized during attacks on schools and communities, particularly in Oyo State, where more than two weeks have passed since the abductions occurred. Lawmakers described the situation as a national emergency requiring urgent intervention to rescue the kidnapped school children and restore public confidence in security institutions.
The Senate’s intervention comes amid renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of the country and a series of recent attacks targeting civilians, educational institutions, and public facilities.
On May 15, 2026, armed kidnappers attacked communities in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State and abducted more than 40 teachers, pupils, and students from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School. The incident triggered widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger protection of schools and vulnerable communities.
The issue has continued to attract national attention as families of the victims await their release. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) have all urged authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
The latest concerns emerged alongside reports that suspected gunmen attacked the Nigeria Immigration Service office in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Tuesday night and reportedly carted away firearms belonging to officers on duty. In a separate incident, the family of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, confirmed the abduction of his younger sister, Mrs Olaide Busayo John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, in Ibadan.
The Senate resolutions followed a motion titled “The Abduction of School Children, Teachers and a Toddler in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.” The motion was sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North). Presenting the motion under Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders, Senator Buhari expressed concern over what he described as a brutal attack on innocent citizens.
According to him, the Senate noted “with grave alarm and deep national outrage the abduction of 49 people, comprising school children, teachers and a toddler by armed kidnappers in Ahoro-Esiele and adjoining communities of Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.”
He further stated that three victims were shot during the attack, one person was beheaded, and 45 others remained in captivity.
The senator emphasized that the victims were abducted from educational institutions that should ordinarily represent safety, hope, and opportunity for young Nigerians. Particularly disturbing, he said, was the presence of a toddler among those still being held by the kidnappers. He also lamented the killing of Mr Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher who was reportedly beheaded by the attackers.
Senator Buhari described the act as barbaric and said it had created widespread fear among residents of Oyo State and Nigerians generally. Following deliberations, the Senate condemned the abduction in the strongest terms and urged the Federal Government to ensure the immediate rescue of the kidnapped school children, teachers, and other victims.
Lawmakers also called for the strengthening and expansion of the Safe Schools Initiative through improved surveillance systems, enhanced intelligence gathering, and increased deployment of security personnel around schools and vulnerable communities. The Red Chamber further stressed the need to improve national security architecture to guarantee the protection of lives and property across the country.
The continued captivity of the kidnapped school children has raised concerns about the safety of educational institutions, particularly in rural communities where security presence is often limited.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that attacks on schools can undermine access to education, disrupt learning, and create long-term psychological trauma for pupils, teachers, and affected families. The Senate’s resolutions also highlight growing pressure on security agencies to deliver results and reassure citizens that schools remain safe environments for learning.
