*As Barau, Oshiomhole, Sani Musa call for Accountability of Resources by Service Chiefs, Security Agencies
By Henry Umoru
ABUJA- THE Senate has asked the Federal government, through all relevant security agencies, to intensify efforts and deploy all necessary resources for the immediate rescue of teachers, pupils and students abducted by terrorists in Oyo.
Recall that on May 15, 2026, over 40 teachers, pupils and students of Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), Community Grammar School (Esiele), and L.A. Primary School in Ogbomoso and Oriire communities of Oyo State were kidnapped by terrorists.
The kidnapping of the schoolchildren, students and their teachers sparked reactions yesterday from Senators as the Senate has condemned in the strongest possible terms the abduction of the school children, teachers and toddlers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and commiserated with the affected families, communities and the Government of Oyo State.
The Upper Chamber has also called on the Federal Government to strengthen and expand the Safe Schools Initiative through enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering and improved security deployment around vulnerable schools and communities across the country.
The Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of those who died in the course of the kidnapping.
According to the Senate, it is sad that these criminals and evil-minded people are now everywhere in our country; therefore, we should beef up security in the country to secure the lives and properties of our citizens.
The resolutions by the Senate yesterday were sequel to a motion titled, “The Abduction of School Children, Teachers and a Toddler in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.”
The motion was sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, APC, Oyo North.
The additional prayer by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, APC, Edo North, that there should be a Comprehensive Audit of all releases to the military was, however, dropped, as there was no seconder to the motion for an additional prayer.
Earlier in his presentation, Senator Buhari, who came under Order 41, 51 of the Senate Standing Orders, said that the Senate ” Notes with grave alarm and deep national outrage the abduction of forty-Nine (49) people comprising school children, teachers and a toddler by armed kidnappers in Ahoro-Esiele and adjoining communities of Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Three (3) were shot, one (1) beheaded, while forty-five (45) remain in captivity;
“Also note that the victims were abducted from a learning environment which ought to symbolize safety, hope and the future of our Nation;
” Deeply disturbed that among those held in captivity is a toddler whose age and vulnerability underscore the cruelty and inhumanity of the perpetrators;
“Saddled that one of the victims of the brutal attack, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher, was beheaded in a gruesome manner and recorded for the public to watch. This was a most barbaric act, which has struck fear into the people of the State, and Nigerians at large.
” Concerned that the incident has generated anxiety and public outrage while raising serious concerns about the security of schools and rural communities across the Federation;
” Observes that when schools become hunting grounds for criminals, the future of the Nation itself is imperiled.
“Acknowledges the visit of the Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, alongside the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence and the Inspector-General of Police, to Oriire Local
Government on Sunday, 31st May, 2026, to commiserate with the families of the victims.”
In his contribution, Senator Oshiomhole, who advised that the Senate can do more than mere lamentation, urged that the armed forces be held accountable and that, if the National Assembly fails to carry out proper oversight of resources appropriated for security, the country may continue to face worsening insecurity.
Senator Oshiomhole, who raised concerns over the lack of accountability regarding the abduction of schoolchildren in a community where military personnel had reportedly been withdrawn shortly before the attack, recalled that military personnel stationed at the school were ordered to withdraw, and about 40 minutes later, bandits invaded and abducted nearly 200 children.
The Senator noted that the Senate had previously passed a resolution directing the military high command to disclose the identity of the officer responsible for the withdrawal order and explain what action had been taken against him.
“To the best of my knowledge, we have not received any response to that simple inquiry,” he said.
He stressed that if the armed forces are not held accountable and the National Assembly fails to properly oversee resources appropriated for security, the country may continue to face worsening insecurity.
“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.
On his part, Senator Sani Musa, APC, Niger East, acknowledged the efforts made by successive administrations to strengthen the country’s security architecture through procurement, recruitment, and increased funding.
He noted that service chiefs had been brought closer to the seat of government to enable effective monitoring of security operations and commended security agencies for their efforts despite the enormous challenges they face.
However, he argued that there is a distinction between officers who formulate policies and those who carry out operations on the frontlines.
“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,” he said.
The senator also questioned the management of security funds, noting persistent complaints about inadequate allowances and welfare for troops despite significant budgetary allocations.
“We have been allocating resources year after year, yet we continue to hear that there is not enough money for allowances for our servicemen. The question is: where is the money going?” he asked.
He urged lawmakers to perform their constitutional oversight responsibilities without fear or favour, insisting that transparency and accountability are critical to improving security outcomes.
“We need to do our oversight. We need to know how resources are being used. Until we carry out that scrutiny, we may not get it right,” he said.
The lawmakers agreed that while security requires substantial funding, accountability for the use of those funds is equally important if Nigeria is to achieve lasting peace and security.
In his remarks, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, APC, Kano North, who presided during discussions on the motion, said, “It is commendable that decisive action has been taken by Mr. President. The military has also been urged to step up its efforts to address the nation’s security challenges. Of course, they are already doing their best, and we are proud of our men and women in uniform who continue to make sacrifices in the line of duty.
“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. While it is important to hold those responsible accountable, it does not diminish the sacrifices and commitment of our security personnel as they confront the enemies of our nation.
“We urge our armed forces to remain steadfast in safeguarding lives and property. We also encourage Mr. President not to relent in the fight against insecurity.
“Whenever criminals and enemies of the state are confronted, they will attempt to fight back and create fear and instability. However, the best response is not to waver or falter, but to continue the fight until they are defeated.
“They will ultimately be brought to justice, and this challenge will come to an end.
It is important to note that security is a collective responsibility; it does not rest on the shoulders of any one arm of government. We must work together, the Executive, the Legislature, the military, and all stakeholders, bringing our wisdom, foresight, and resources together to end these atrocities being committed by the enemies of our nation.”
