Reps seek rescue of abducted Oyo, Borno pupils, push security reforms

The House of Representatives on Tuesday called for the immediate rescue of at least 72 abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State and Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, while urging the Federal Government to strengthen security around schools and implement far-reaching reforms to tackle insecurity across the country. The resolutions followed the adoption of two motions of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala and Hon. Midala Usman Balami during plenary. Moving his motion, Alao-Akala expressed concern over the worsening security situation in Ogbomoso and Orire local government areas of Oyo State, citing the abduction of more than 30 pupils and teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School on May 16, 2025. The lawmaker also lamented the killing of Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher who was reportedly beheaded while in captivity by his abductors. He said the attack underscored the growing threat posed by criminal groups operating within and around the Old Oyo National Park and adjoining forests. According to him, the vast forest corridor, which stretches towards Kwara State and links to wider transit routes, has become a haven for kidnappers and bandits, posing a serious security threat to communities in Oyo State and the wider South-West region. Alao-Akala acknowledged ongoing rescue efforts by security agencies as well as the Federal Government’s approval of 1,000 forest guards for the area, but stressed that urgent measures were needed to secure the release of those still in captivity and prevent future attacks. He also urged the Federal Government to establish a permanent military forward operating base in Orire Local Government Area to sustain security operations around the Old Oyo National Park and surrounding communities. The lawmaker further renewed calls for the implementation of previously adopted recommendations on the decentralisation of Nigeria’s security architecture, including the establishment of state police, local government policing units, decentralised courts and an integrated intelligence and surveillance network. In a separate motion, Balami raised concern over the reported abduction of 42 schoolchildren from Mussa Ward in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. He recalled previous mass abductions in the state, including the Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping in 2014 and attacks on communities such as Ngoshe, noting that many victims remain unaccounted for. Balami said recurring attacks on schools and communities continue to threaten access to education, endanger lives, traumatise families and undermine public confidence in the capacity of government to guarantee security. He added that persistent insecurity had contributed to declining school enrolment and attendance in vulnerable communities as parents increasingly feared for the safety of their children. Adopting the motions, the House urged the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to rescue the abducted pupils, teachers and all other persons currently being held in captivity across the country. Lawmakers also called for enhanced security around schools in Borno State and other vulnerable parts of the country through increased deployment of security personnel, improved intelligence gathering and effective rapid-response mechanisms. The House further advocated the expansion of school protection initiatives, including community-based security arrangements, early warning systems, security awareness programmes and improved surveillance infrastructure around schools. In addition, the lawmakers urged the Federal Government to develop and implement a comprehensive Safe Schools Security Framework to protect students, teachers and educational institutions from future attacks. At the end of the debate, the House referred the motions to its Committees on Army, Police, and National Security and Intelligence for further legislative action. The lawmakers also observed a minute’s silence in honour of Michael Oyedokun, other victims of kidnapping and banditry across the country, and security personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.