The Senate on Tuesday condemned in strong terms the abduction of schoolchildren, teachers and a toddler in Ahoro-Esiele and surrounding communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as an attack on the nation’s future.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Buhari Abdulfatai (Oyo North), who raised alarm over the worsening security situation and called for urgent action to rescue the remaining victims.
Abdulfatai disclosed that 49 persons, including schoolchildren, teachers and a toddler, were abducted during the attack by armed kidnappers.
According to him, three victims were shot, one was beheaded, while 45 others remain in captivity.
“The victims were abducted from a learning environment that ought to symbolise safety, hope and the future of our nation,” he said.
The lawmaker lamented the killing of a Mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was allegedly beheaded by the attackers.
“When schools become hunting grounds for criminals, the future of the nation itself is imperilled,” Abdulfatai warned.
He said the incident had triggered fear and outrage among residents and Nigerians at large.
The Senate also noted the visit of a Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, alongside the National Security Adviser, Minister of Defence and the Inspector-General of Police, to sympathise with affected families.
Responding to criticisms that the Federal Government’s reaction was weaker compared to previous incidents in Niger and Kebbi states, Abdulfatai dismissed the comparison.
“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 said.
The senator added that he had visited the affected communities several times and maintained close contact with security agencies handling the 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 stated.
He recounted the grief of the slain teacher’s widow, saying, “All she kept saying was, ‘I just want my husband.’ The pain was unimaginable.”
Abdulfatai also revealed that another teacher was shot dead while attempting to escape, while a commercial motorcycle rider was killed after being mistaken for a pursuer.
He further disclosed that a man whose wife and four children were abducted became distraught and contemplated suicide.
“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 said.
The lawmaker described the affected communities as deserted in the immediate aftermath of the attack due to fear.
“Everybody ran away from the town. The fear was overwhelming,” he said.
He, however, noted that confidence was gradually restored following the deployment of military reinforcements to the area.
Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to condemn the abduction, commiserate with affected families and the Oyo State Government, and urge security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.
The lawmakers also called on the Federal Government to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative through improved surveillance and intelligence gathering.
“It is sad that these criminals 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,” Abdulfatai added.