June 03, (THEWILL) — The Senate on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts and deploy all necessary resources towards the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The upper chamber also called on the Federal Government to strengthen and expand the Safe Schools Initiative through enhanced surveillance, improved intelligence gathering, and improved security deployment around vulnerable schools and communities across the country.
THEWILL reports that these resolutions followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo) during plenary.
Presenting the motion, Buhari expressed grave concern over the attack, revealing that 49 persons comprising schoolchildren, teachers, and a toddler were attacked and kidnapped by gunmen
According to him, three victims sustained gunshot injuries during the incident, one teacher was brutally beheaded, while 45 others remain in captivity.
He described the incident as a barbaric attack that had created fear among residents and heightened concerns over the security of schools and rural communities nationwide.
“The victims were abducted from a learning environment which ought to symbolise safety, hope, and the future of our nation. This was a most barbaric act, which has struck fear into the people of the state and Nigerians at large.
“The incident has generated anxiety and public outrage while raising serious concerns about the security of schools and rural communities across the federation. When schools become hunting grounds for criminals, the future of the nation itself is imperiled,” he said.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo) raised concerns over accountability in previous school abduction cases, recalling an incident in Kebbi State where military personnel were allegedly withdrawn from a school shortly before bandits attacked and abducted nearly 200 pupils.
He noted that the Senate had previously demanded explanations from military authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal but had yet to receive any response.
“To the best of my knowledge, we have not received any response to that simple inquiry,” he said.
Oshiomhole stressed the need for stronger oversight and accountability regarding security expenditure.
“We need to do more than lament. We need to conduct security audits. We need to know how appropriated funds were spent, who received them, and what results were achieved. This Senate is entitled to answers to the questions it has unanimously asked,” he said.
Similarly, Senator Sani Musa acknowledged efforts by successive administrations to improve the country’s security architecture through increased funding, procurement, and recruitment.
While commending security agencies for their commitment, he argued that accountability remained crucial in tackling insecurity.
“I think the time has come for the National Assembly to call service chiefs to account for the resources appropriated to them. If this is not done, overcoming insecurity will remain difficult,” Musa said.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, commended ongoing efforts by President Bola Tinubu in addressing insecurity and praised members of the armed forces for their sacrifices.
“Those calling for accountability are not wrong. That is how the system works, there must be accountability in every sector and in all that we do,” Barau said.
He urged security agencies to remain steadfast in protecting lives and property while encouraging the President not to relent in confronting insecurity across the country.
The Senate later observed a minute’s silence in honour of the victims who lost their lives during the attack.
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