Lawmakers at the House of Representatives
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State.
The appeal followed a motion presented on the floor of the House on Tuesday by Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, who expressed concern over the worsening security situation in parts of the state.
The lawmakers specifically urged authorities to ensure the safe rescue of victims abducted from Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and L.A. Primary School.
Addressing the House, Alao-Akala stressed the urgency of the situation, saying:
«“Bring our remaining sons, daughters, and teachers home alive without further delay, for every hour lost is an hour in which we risk losing them forever, and that risk now outweighs every other consideration before us.”»
The House was informed that one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area, was reportedly killed while in captivity. His death has further heightened concerns over the safety of those still being held.
As part of measures to tackle insecurity in the area, the lawmakers recommended the establishment of a permanent military Forward Operating Base in Oriire Local Government Area. According to them, the move would complement the deployment of the 1,000 forest guards already approved by President Bola Tinubu.
They argued that a stronger military presence around the Old Oyo National Park and surrounding communities would help prevent criminal elements from using the area as a base for operations.
The lawmakers said the security outpost was necessary:
«“So that this strategic frontier around the border corridors ceases to be a safe-haven for killers and a passage of terror into the South-West.”»
The House also renewed its call for comprehensive security sector reforms, including the creation of state police and local government policing structures.
According to the lawmakers:
«“The House also resolved that the National Assembly and the Executive Arm must, without further excuse or delay, commence full implementation of the adopted resolution on a decentralised and regional security architecture.»
«“The creation of state police, local government policing units, decentralised courts, and an integrated national intelligence and surveillance network.»
«“People have waited long enough, and every further postponement is paid for in the blood of innocents, and brings the nation closer to being overrun.”»
Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount on authorities to rescue the victims as protests spread across the country.
On Tuesday, members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) staged demonstrations in several states, demanding swift action to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The protests came a day after civil society organisations held a peaceful rally in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, where participants also called for the immediate rescue of the victims.
Demonstrations were reported in Oyo, Ogun, Kano, Plateau, Lagos, Edo, Rivers and Yobe states, among others, as concerned Nigerians continued to demand stronger action against kidnapping and insecurity.
