Dare Babalola
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, urging security agencies to ensure their rescue without further delay.
The resolution was passed during plenary on Tuesday following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, who represents Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South/Oriire Federal Constituency.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 when armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area. At least 45 pupils and teachers were reportedly abducted during the attacks.
Presenting the motion, Alao-Akala condemned the killing of Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher who was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers, describing the act as barbaric and calling for an immediate and decisive response from government at all levels.
He lamented the continued captivity of the victims, noting that families have been left in anguish as they await news of their loved ones.
The lawmaker also expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the area and urged authorities to take stronger measures to prevent further attacks on schools and communities.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Bamidele Salam, representing Ede North/Ede South/Ejigbo/Egbedore Federal Constituency of Osun State, decried the increasing trend of school abductions across the country.
He said attacks on educational institutions pose a serious threat to access to education, particularly for children from less privileged backgrounds who rely on public schools.
Salam called on the government to establish a special security force dedicated to protecting schools nationwide, stressing the need for urgent intervention to safeguard students and teachers.
Also speaking, Hon. Benedict Etanabene of Delta State urged lawmakers to expedite the constitutional process for the establishment of state police as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity.
Following a voice vote conducted by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the motion was unanimously adopted.
The House subsequently urged the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in the area to combat banditry and other criminal activities around the Oyo National Park and its surrounding communities.
The resolution comes amid growing concerns over the fate of the abducted pupils and teachers, with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State already embarking on a strike action to press for their rescue. President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to facilitate the release of the victims.
Reps urge FG to secure release of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers
Dare Babalola
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, urging security agencies to ensure their rescue without further delay.
The resolution was passed during plenary on Tuesday following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, who represents Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South/Oriire Federal Constituency.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 when armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area. At least 45 pupils and teachers were reportedly abducted during the attacks.
Presenting the motion, Alao-Akala condemned the killing of Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher who was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers, describing the act as barbaric and calling for an immediate and decisive response from government at all levels.
He lamented the continued captivity of the victims, noting that families have been left in anguish as they await news of their loved ones.
The lawmaker also expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the area and urged authorities to take stronger measures to prevent further attacks on schools and communities.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Bamidele Salam, representing Ede North/Ede South/Ejigbo/Egbedore Federal Constituency of Osun State, decried the increasing trend of school abductions across the country.
He said attacks on educational institutions pose a serious threat to access to education, particularly for children from less privileged backgrounds who rely on public schools.
Salam called on the government to establish a special security force dedicated to protecting schools nationwide, stressing the need for urgent intervention to safeguard students and teachers.
Also speaking, Hon. Benedict Etanabene of Delta State urged lawmakers to expedite the constitutional process for the establishment of state police as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity.
Following a voice vote conducted by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the motion was unanimously adopted.
The House subsequently urged the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in the area to combat banditry and other criminal activities around the Oyo National Park and its surrounding communities.
The resolution comes amid growing concerns over the fate of the abducted pupils and teachers, with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State already embarking on a strike action to press for their rescue. President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to facilitate the release of the victims.
