The Senate on Tuesday condemned the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, describing the incident as a heartbreaking attack on the nation’s shared humanity.
The condemnation came as the upper chamber resumed plenary after the Sallah break, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio leading lawmakers in observing a one-minute silence in honour of two teachers and a pupil killed during the attack.
In his address, Akpabio said the incident had cast a dark cloud over the country and highlighted the urgent need to strengthen security in schools and communities.
He described the abduction as more than a crime against individuals, but an assault on the nation’s collective future.
“The abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State is not merely an attack on innocent citizens; it is an assault on our collective humanity,” he said.
According to him, the safety of children and teachers is central to national development, warning that failure to protect them endangers Nigeria’s future.
He also expressed grief over the loss of lives during the attack, including teachers Michael Oyedokun and Adesiyan Adegboye, as well as a pupil who was killed.
“We mourn because if we cannot protect our children, we imperil our future… Their loss is our loss, their sorrow is our sorrow,” he said.
Akpabio, however, expressed optimism that security agencies were working to secure the release of those still in captivity, assuring that efforts were ongoing to reunite them with their families.
He extended condolences to the bereaved families, the affected school community, and the people and government of Oyo State, while calling for a minute of silence in honour of the victims.
The Senate President also cautioned against politicising the tragedy, urging leaders to avoid exploiting insecurity for partisan gain.
“At moments such as these, there is a temptation to divide, accuse, and seek advantage from tragedy. Politicians must resist that temptation,” he warned.
He stressed that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of political or social differences, insisting that national unity is required to confront the challenge.
Akpabio called on lawmakers and citizens to support lawful measures aimed at strengthening security, protecting schools, and ensuring that perpetrators of violence are brought to justice.
The Senate’s session comes amid rising concern over school abductions across parts of the country, with renewed calls for improved protection of educational institutions and communities.
