The House of Representatives has called for the immediate rescue of at least 72 abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, while urging the Federal Government to strengthen security around schools and implement far-reaching reforms to address the country’s worsening security challenges.
The call followed the adoption of two motions of urgent public importance during Tuesday’s plenary session, sponsored by lawmakers representing affected constituencies in Oyo and Borno states.
Presenting the first motion, Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala raised alarm over the abduction of more than 30 pupils and teachers from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The victims were reportedly kidnapped during an attack on May 16, 2026, targeting Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.
The lawmaker also drew attention to the tragic killing of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was allegedly beheaded while in captivity. He described the incident as evidence of the growing influence of criminal gangs operating within the forests surrounding the Old Oyo National Park.
According to Alao-Akala, the vast forest corridor linking parts of Oyo and Kwara states has increasingly become a hideout for kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements, creating serious security concerns for residents and travellers across the South-West region.
While acknowledging ongoing rescue efforts by security agencies and the Federal Government’s approval of 1,000 forest guards for the area, he stressed the need for more decisive action. He called for the establishment of a permanent military forward operating base in Orire Local Government Area to sustain security operations and prevent further attacks.
The lawmaker also renewed calls for the decentralisation of Nigeria’s security architecture through the creation of state police, local government policing units, decentralised courts and a nationwide intelligence-sharing network.
In a related motion, Hon. Midala Usman Balami expressed concern over the reported abduction of 42 schoolchildren from Mussa Ward in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Balami noted that the incident highlights the continued vulnerability of schools and communities in the North-East, despite years of counter-insurgency operations. He recalled previous mass abductions in the state, including the Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping in 2014, warning that recurring attacks continue to disrupt education and traumatise affected families.
According to him, persistent insecurity has forced many parents to keep their children away from school, contributing to declining enrolment and attendance rates in several vulnerable communities.
Following extensive deliberations, the House urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of all abducted pupils, teachers and other Nigerians currently held by kidnappers and bandits.
Lawmakers also advocated stronger security measures around schools, including increased deployment of security personnel, enhanced intelligence gathering, improved surveillance systems and rapid-response mechanisms.
The House further called for the expansion of community-based school protection initiatives, early warning systems and public awareness programmes aimed at preventing attacks on educational institutions.
In addition, members urged the Federal Government to develop and implement a comprehensive Safe Schools Security Framework designed to safeguard students, teachers and school facilities nationwide.
The motions were subsequently referred to the House Committees on Army, Police, and National Security and Intelligence for further legislative action.
As a mark of respect, lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of Michael Oyedokun, victims of kidnapping and banditry across the country, and security personnel who lost their lives while protecting citizens.
The resolutions underscore growing concerns within the National Assembly over the increasing frequency of attacks on schools and communities, with lawmakers insisting that urgent and coordinated action is needed to restore public confidence and guarantee the safety of students across Nigeria.
