Reps demand quick action to rescue abducted pupils in Oyo and Borno

The House of Representatives on Tuesday called for the fast rescue of at least 72 kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State and Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. They also urged the Federal Government to improve security around schools and make important reforms to fight insecurity in the country.

These decisions came after two motions of urgent public importance were sponsored by Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala and Hon. Midala Usman Balami during a plenary session.

While presenting his motion, Alao-Akala showed worry over the worsening security in Ogbomoso and Orire local government areas of Oyo State. He pointed out that more than 30 pupils and teachers were taken from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School on May 16, 2025.

The lawmaker also spoke about the murder of Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher who was reportedly beheaded by his abductors while in captivity.

He said this attack highlighted the increasing danger posed by criminal groups operating near the Old Oyo National Park and nearby forests. Alao-Akala mentioned that the large forest area stretches towards Kwara State, linking to wider transit routes. This area has become a hideout for kidnappers and bandits, creating serious security threats to communities in Oyo State and the larger South-West region.

Alao-Akala recognized the ongoing rescue efforts by security agencies and the Federal Government's approval of 1,000 forest guards for the area. But he stressed that urgent actions were needed to rescue those still held captive and to prevent future attacks.

He also called on the Federal Government to set up a permanent military base in Orire Local Government Area to support security operations around the Old Oyo National Park and nearby communities.

The lawmaker renewed calls for the implementation of past recommendations on changing Nigeria's security setup. This includes establishing state police, local government policing units, decentralized courts, and a combined intelligence and surveillance network.

In another motion, Balami raised alarm over the reported abduction of 42 schoolchildren from Mussa Ward in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. He reminded everyone about previous mass abductions in the state, including the Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping in 2014 and attacks on communities like Ngoshe, stressing that many victims are still missing.

Balami said these repeated attacks on schools and communities threaten access to education, risk lives, traumatize families, and lower public trust in the government’s ability to provide security.

He added that ongoing insecurity has led to fewer children enrolling and attending school in vulnerable areas as parents are increasingly scared for their children's safety.

After adopting the motions, the House urged the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to act quickly and decisively to rescue the abducted pupils, teachers, and all others currently held captive across the country.

Lawmakers also called for better security around schools in Borno State and other risky parts of the country. They suggested more security personnel, improved intelligence gathering, and effective rapid-response systems.

Additionally, the House pushed for the expansion of school safety initiatives. This includes community-based security measures, early warning systems, security awareness programs, and better surveillance around schools.

The lawmakers also asked the Federal Government to create and implement a detailed Safe Schools Security Framework to protect students, teachers, and educational institutions from future attacks.

At the end of the debate, the House sent the motions to its Committees on Army, Police, and National Security and Intelligence for further action. The lawmakers also observed a minute's silence for Michael Oyedokun, other victims of kidnapping and banditry across the country, and security personnel who lost their lives while serving.