Reps push for urgent action to rescue abducted schoolchildren and call for state police

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

Members also repeated their call for significant changes to Nigeria’s security system, including the creation of state police and local policing units.

These resolutions came after the adoption of two separate motions that highlighted the rising number of school kidnappings and attacks on communities. Lawmakers said these attacks have become a major threat to education and public safety in the country.

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 and the murder of a schoolteacher, Michael Oyedokun. It also emphasized the need for changes to tackle insecurity.

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

He recalled that on May 16, armed bandits attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School. They kidnapped over 30 pupils and teachers during the day.

The lawmaker was particularly troubled by the killing of Mr Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher who was reportedly beheaded while in captivity.

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

He noted that many victims are still missing, leaving their families in pain and uncertainty. Mr Alao-Akala recognized the rescue efforts by security agencies and the federal government's approval of 1,000 forest guards for the area. But he insisted that stronger and lasting security measures are needed.

According to him, the large forests around the Old Oyo National Park have become safe havens for criminals. This has created a route for terrorists and kidnappers to move across state lines.

He reminded the House that it had previously supported ideas to decentralize Nigeria’s security system. These ideas include state police, local government policing units, decentralized courts, and integrated intelligence systems.

He argued that delays in implementing these reforms leave communities at risk of attacks.

Lawmakers want better protection for schools

During the debate, Bamidele Salam (Accord, Osun) warned that the kidnapping of schoolchildren is becoming a serious national issue.

Mr Salam pointed out that school kidnappings started gaining international attention after the Chibok schoolgirls were taken in 2014. He said vulnerable communities across the country are now increasingly targeted.

He described education as a vital tool to fight 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 nationwide. He said if the government can provide safety for public officials, similar protections should be given to 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 programs. He urged authorities to act more quickly.

Etanabene Benedict (PDP, Delta) described the insecurity in the country as alarming. He said people are now living in constant fear. He repeated calls for state police and said governors should be able to use local security resources and modern technology like drones to address security threats.

Mr Benedict warned against making insecurity a political issue. He said focusing on party politics could distract from solving the crisis.

“Slaughtering of people has become normal to our lives. This is not how it was before,” he said. He also expressed sympathy for families whose children are still missing, calling their situation unbearable.

Borno lawmakers alarmed by new kidnappings

In another development, the House considered a motion by Midala Balami (APC, Borno). He raised concerns over the reported kidnapping of 42 schoolchildren from communities in Borno State.

Mr Balami said repeated attacks on schools and communities in the state threaten access to education and endanger lives. This also undermines public confidence in the government.

He recalled the 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, many of whom are still missing, along with other mass kidnappings in Borno State. He noted that ongoing insecurity has led to fewer students enrolling and attending school.

The lawmaker stressed the need for coordinated efforts to free all kidnapped individuals and restore trust 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 discussing the motions, the House agreed to call on the federal government and all security agencies to step up efforts to free all kidnapped pupils, teachers, and others still in captivity.

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

The House reiterated its support for a decentralized security system, including state police, local government policing units, decentralized courts, and a network for intelligence and surveillance.

Additionally, lawmakers called for better security around schools in Borno State and other vulnerable areas. This includes improved intelligence gathering, quick response mechanisms, and surveillance systems.

The House suggested expanding school protection programs through early warning systems, community-based security measures, and security awareness initiatives.

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

Before concluding, members observed a minute of silence to honor Mr Oyedokun, victims of kidnapping and banditry across the country, and security personnel who have lost their lives fighting insecurity.