The Senate has condemned the abduction of 87 students and teachers in separate attacks in Borno and Oyo States within 24 hours, describing the incidents as a direct assault on Nigeria’s future.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, in a statement issued on Sunday through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, described the incidents as deeply disturbing, especially given past investments made to secure schools nationwide.
In the attacks, suspected gunmen abducted 45 students and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, while Boko Haram terrorists reportedly kidnapped 42 students in Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Bamidele said the twin incidents highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures in schools, warning that continued attacks on educational institutions threaten national development.
He said the National Assembly was advancing constitutional amendments to establish state police, which he described as a critical step toward improving security across the country.
According to him, the proposal is at an advanced stage and will be transmitted to state Houses of Assembly for approval once completed.
Bamidele urged federal and state authorities to strengthen the Safe School Initiative as a temporary measure, noting the country’s large number of out-of-school children.
He also called for bipartisan support for security and constitutional reforms, saying the abductions must not be politicised.
The Senate said it would continue to pursue legislative measures aimed at addressing insecurity when plenary resumes.
Borno, Oyo attacks: Students abduction is attack on Nigeria’s future — Senate