The Senate on Tuesday strongly condemned the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, describing the incident as a devastating blow to the country’s collective conscience.
Lawmakers expressed their position when plenary resumed after the Sallah break, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio leading a minute of silence in honour of two teachers and a pupil who lost their lives in connection with the attack.
Akpabio, addressing senators at the session, said the incident had left the nation in mourning and highlighted the urgent need to reinforce security around schools and vulnerable communities.
He described the abduction as an attack on the country’s future, stressing that both pupils and teachers form the foundation of national development.
According to him, “We resume under the heavy burden of a tragedy that has shaken our nation. The abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State is not just an attack on individuals; it is an assault on our shared humanity.”
He added that the inability to protect children undermines the country’s future, while insecurity in schools weakens the education system.
Akpabio also paid tribute to the victims of the attack, naming educators Michael Oyedokun, who reportedly died in captivity, and Adesiyan Adegboye, who was killed during the incident, as well as a pupil who lost his life.
He extended condolences to their families, saying the Senate shares in their grief and pain.
“Their loss is our loss, their sorrow is our sorrow,” he said.
The Senate President expressed hope that security agencies would secure the release of those still being held by abductors, noting ongoing efforts by government authorities.
He also used the opportunity to caution political actors against exploiting the tragedy for partisan purposes, warning that insecurity should not be politicised.
“At times like this, there is a temptation to divide and gain advantage from tragedy, but such tendencies must be resisted,” he said, adding that criminals do not discriminate along political, ethnic, or religious lines.
Akpabio urged unity in supporting government and security agencies to tackle insecurity, protect schools, and ensure justice for victims.
He reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to backing lawful measures aimed at strengthening national security and safeguarding educational institutions across the country.