Reps Urge Immediate Rescue of Abducted Ogbomoso Pupils, Teachers

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State without further delay, following growing concerns over their continued captivity nearly a month after the incident.

The resolution was passed during Tuesday’s plenary after lawmakers adopted a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, who represents Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South/Oriire Federal Constituency.

The victims were abducted on May 15 when gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, including Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.

At least 45 pupils and teachers were reportedly taken away during the attacks, which also left communities in the area traumatised.

Lawmakers Condemn Killing of Abducted Teacher

Presenting the motion, Alao-Akala condemned the killing of Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher who was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers while in captivity.

He described the incident as a barbaric act that demands urgent intervention from all levels of government.

“As we sit in the comfort of this chamber, mothers in Oriire are sleepless, fathers are broken, and children still in the hands of their captors are crying out for a rescue that has not yet come,” he said.

“Every passing hour of their captivity is an hour of unbearable agony for families who do not know whether their loved ones are alive or dead.”

The lawmaker urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release and restore confidence among residents affected by the attacks.

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House Raises Alarm Over School Insecurity

Contributing to the debate, Bamidele Salam, who represents Ede North/Ede South/Ejigbo/Egbedore Federal Constituency of Osun State, expressed concern over the increasing wave of attacks on schools across the country.

He said the abduction of schoolchildren, which gained national attention following the kidnapping of the Chibok girls, was becoming a recurring security challenge.

“The abduction of school children, which started with the kidnapping of Chibok girls a few years ago, is becoming a trend,” Salam said.

“One of the keys to liberating a people is education, and if that key is in the hands of killers, then there is a problem.”

The lawmaker noted that many children of public officials attend private schools or study abroad, while children from less privileged backgrounds remain vulnerable in public schools.

He called for the establishment of a specialised security force dedicated to protecting schools nationwide.

Also speaking during the debate, Benedict Etanabene, who represents Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency of Delta State, urged the National Assembly to accelerate efforts toward establishing state police as part of broader measures to tackle insecurity.

House Seeks Military Presence in Oriire

Following deliberations, the House unanimously adopted the motion through a voice vote presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

Lawmakers subsequently urged the Federal Government to immediately rescue the abducted pupils and teachers and establish a permanent military base in Oriire and surrounding areas to combat criminal activities linked to bandit groups operating around the Oyo National Park corridor.

The resolution comes amid increasing pressure on authorities to secure the victims’ release. The Nigeria Union of Teachers recently commenced an indefinite strike in Oyo State over the continued captivity of the abductees.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at freeing the victims.

The House said urgent action is required to prevent further attacks on schools and reassure parents, teachers and communities that educational institutions remain safe across the country.

Segun Lasisi

A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.