Obi, Senate demand rescue of abducted Oyo schoolchildren

Former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has issued an urgent appeal for the immediate release of the schoolchildren, teachers, and pupils abducted by terrorists in Oyo State. Speaking on Wednesday, Obi urged the abductors to prioritize “humanity and conscience” and set the captives free.

Expressing his distress over the situation, Obi stated on his X handle: “I am deeply shocked and heartbroken by the condition in which these abducted school children are.” He emphasized that the targeting of innocent children remains unjustifiable under any circumstances and appealed to the kidnappers to show mercy, noting that “every child represents someone’s hope and future.”

In a parallel development, the Nigerian Senate officially condemned the ongoing mass abduction during Wednesday’s plenary session. Lawmakers observed a minute’s silence to honor those who have lost their lives since the May 15 attack in Oriire Local Government Area, which resulted in the abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers.  

The motion, sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North), served as a rallying point for the Senate to call for the immediate deployment of all necessary resources for the rescue of the remaining hostages. During the debate, several senators pushed for deeper accountability regarding national security. Senator Adams Oshiomhole advocated for a comprehensive audit of security spending, questioning whether the current budgetary allocations are being translated into operational effectiveness.

Echoing these sentiments, Senator Sani Musa stressed the need for transparency in how security resources are managed, urging the National Assembly to enhance its oversight role. Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to the safe return of the victims, emphasizing that defeating the current wave of insecurity requires a coordinated, collective responsibility across all branches of government.

The abduction, which involved schools in Yawota and Esiele, continues to be a major point of national concern. Despite various claims circulating online, authorities have maintained that the victims remain in captivity, and security agencies are actively engaged in operations to secure their release.