Reps Urge Swift Rescue of Abducted Schoolchildren, Teachers in Oyo and Borno

The House of Representatives has called for the urgent rescue of at least 72 abducted pupils and teachers in parts of Oyo State and Borno State, while also pushing for stronger security measures around schools nationwide.

The resolution followed the adoption of two motions of urgent public importance during Tuesday’s plenary, sponsored by Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala and Hon. Midala Usman Balami.

Lawmakers expressed deep concern over the rising wave of attacks on educational institutions, warning that the trend is endangering lives, disrupting learning, and increasing fear among parents, teachers, and students.

Presenting his motion, Alao-Akala raised alarm over insecurity in Ogbomoso and Oriire areas of Oyo State, citing the abduction of more than 30 pupils and teachers from schools including Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.

He also condemned the killing of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly beheaded while in captivity.

The lawmaker linked the attacks to criminal activity around the Old Oyo National Park corridor, noting that the forest network stretching towards Kwara State has become a safe haven for kidnappers.

While acknowledging ongoing rescue efforts and the deployment of forest guards, he urged the Federal Government to establish a permanent military forward operating base in Oriire to strengthen operations in the area.

He also renewed calls for wider security reforms, including state police, decentralised policing structures, and improved intelligence coordination.

In a separate motion, Balami raised concern over the abduction of 42 schoolchildren in Mussa Ward, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, recalling past incidents such as the Chibok girls’ kidnapping and other repeated attacks in the region.

He warned that continued insecurity has worsened trauma in affected communities and contributed to declining school enrolment as parents fear for their children’s safety.

After deliberations, the House urged security agencies and the Federal Government to take immediate steps to rescue all abducted victims still in captivity.

Lawmakers also called for stronger protection of schools, including increased security deployment, improved intelligence gathering, rapid-response systems, and community-based surveillance mechanisms.

They further advocated the development of a national Safe Schools Security Framework to protect educational institutions from future attacks.

The motions were subsequently referred to the Committees on Army, Police, and National Security and Intelligence for further legislative action, while lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of victims and security personnel killed in the line of duty.