Reps call for urgent action to rescue kidnapped students, push for state police

The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the federal government and security agencies to do more to rescue schoolchildren and teachers who were kidnapped in Oyo and Borno states.

Members also called for serious changes to Nigeria’s security system, which includes setting up state police and local policing units.

These resolutions came after lawmakers adopted two separate motions about the rising number of school kidnappings and attacks on communities. They said this has become a major threat to education and public safety across the nation.

The first motion was sponsored by Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala (APC, Oyo). It focused on the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. It also highlighted the killing of a schoolteacher, Michael Oyedokun, and the need for reforms to tackle insecurity.

While presenting the motion, Mr Alao-Akala expressed sadness over what he called the “unrelenting siege” on communities in Ogbomoso and Orire Local Government Areas. He traced the rise in insecurity to attacks near the Old Oyo National Park.

He reminded everyone that on 16 May, armed bandits attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School. They kidnapped more than 30 pupils and teachers in broad daylight.

Mr Alao-Akala was particularly concerned about the death of Mr Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher who was reportedly beheaded while being held captive.

He said, “I am deeply disturbed by the barbaric execution of Mr Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher, who was beheaded in captivity by his abductors. This savage act has shocked the conscience of our nation and demands an immediate and decisive response from every arm of government.”

He mentioned that many victims are still in captivity, and their families suffer in pain and uncertainty.

Mr Alao-Akala acknowledged the ongoing efforts by security agencies and the federal government’s approval of 1,000 forest guards for the area. But he argued that stronger and more permanent security measures are necessary.

He pointed out that the large forests around the Old Oyo National Park have become hideouts for criminals. This creates a path for terrorists and kidnappers to operate across state lines.

He reminded the House that it had previously adopted recommendations for decentralising Nigeria’s security setup through state police, local government policing units, decentralised courts, and better intelligence systems.

He said delays in making these changes leave communities open to attacks.

Lawmakers push for better school safety

While contributing to the discussion, Bamidele Salam (Accord, Osun) warned that the kidnapping of schoolchildren is becoming a dangerous trend nationwide.

Mr Salam noted that school kidnappings, which drew global attention after the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014, are now targeting vulnerable communities all over Nigeria.

He described education as a key tool for fighting poverty and ignorance. He warned that attacks on schools threaten the future of many children.

The lawmaker urged the federal government to set up a special security system to protect schools across the country.

He said if the government can provide enough protection for public office holders, they should also protect pupils and teachers in public schools.

“We cannot afford to close our eyes to the realities of the dangers that our children and the teachers face today in Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Salam also criticized the lack of funding for past school security efforts and urged authorities to act faster.

Etanabene Benedict (PDP, Delta) also described the insecurity in the country as alarming. He said citizens now live in constant fear.

He renewed calls for state police, saying governors should be allowed to use local security resources. This includes using modern technologies like drones to tackle security threats in their areas.

Mr Benedict warned against making insecurity a political issue. He said partisan stories could distract from finding solutions.

“Slaughtering of people has become normal to our lives. This is not how it was before,” he said.

He also sympathized with families whose children are still in captivity, calling their situation unbearable.

Borno lawmakers raise alarm over new kidnappings

In another motion, Midala Balami (APC, Borno) expressed concerns about the recent kidnapping of 42 schoolchildren from communities in Borno State.

Mr Balami said repeated attacks on schools and communities in Borno continue to threaten education, endanger lives, and undermine trust in the government.

He recalled the 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, many of whom are still missing, as well as other mass kidnappings in Borno.

He said ongoing insecurity has led to fewer children enrolling and attending school in vulnerable communities, while fear grows among residents.

The lawmaker emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to rescue all abducted persons and restore faith in the government’s ability to protect lives and property.

“Our children deserve to learn in an environment free from fear. Our citizens deserve the assurance that government will act decisively to protect lives and property. The time for action is now,” he said.

House resolutions

After debating the motions, the House resolved to call on the federal government and all security agencies to step up efforts to free all abducted pupils, teachers, and others currently held captive.

Lawmakers also urged the federal government to set up a permanent military base in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State to boost security around the Old Oyo National Park and nearby communities.

The House also repeated its support for implementing a decentralised security system, which includes state police, local government policing units, decentralised courts, and a network for intelligence and surveillance.

Furthermore, lawmakers called for improved security around schools in Borno State and other places at risk. This includes better intelligence gathering, quicker response systems, and surveillance infrastructure.

The House also pushed for enhancing school protection initiatives through early warning systems, community-based security arrangements, and security awareness programs.

Relevant committees on Defence, Interior, Police Affairs, National Security, Basic Education, and Legislative Compliance were told to work with security agencies, monitor the implementation of these resolutions, and report back to the House.

Before ending the motion, members observed a minute of silence for Mr Oyedokun, victims of kidnapping and banditry across Nigeria, and security personnel who have lost their lives fighting against insecurity.