From Kayemo News
The Senate on Tuesday warned politicians against exploiting the unfortunate killing and abductions of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State for political gains, describing the incident as a tragic assault on the nation’s collective humanity.
The condemnation came as the Senate resumed plenary after the Sallah recess, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio leading lawmakers in observing a one-minute silence in honour of two teachers and a pupil killed in connection with the attack.
Addressing senators during the resumption session, Akpabio said the abduction had cast a dark shadow over the nation and underscored the urgent need to strengthen security around schools and communities.
He said, “We resume our work under the mournful shadow of a tragedy that has shaken our nation. The abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State is not merely an attack on innocent citizens; it is an assault on our collective humanity,” he said.
According to him, the tragedy strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s future because children and teachers represent the foundation upon which the nation’s progress rests.
“We mourn because if we cannot protect our children, we imperil our future. We mourn because a nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its teachers weakens the very foundations upon which education rests. And we mourn because, for as long as those children remain in captivity, our nation remains captive with them.”
The Senate President paid tribute to two victims including Michael Oyedokun, who reportedly died while in captivity, and Adesiyan Adegboye, who lost his life during the attack.
He also mourned a child killed in the incident.
“Today, we grieve the loss of two dedicated educators: Michael Oyedokun, who died in captivity, and Adesiyan Adegboye, who lost his life during the attack. We also mourn the child whose life was cut short before its promise could be fulfilled.
“We share the pain of the bereaved families. Their loss is our loss. Their sorrow is our sorrow. Their pain is our pain,” he said.
Akpabio, however, expressed optimism that ongoing efforts by security agencies would secure the release of those still being held.
“Yet even in the midst of grief, we remain hopeful that, through the determined efforts of the government and our security agencies, those still in captivity will be safely rescued and reunited with their loved ones,” he added.
On behalf of the Senate, he extended condolences to the bereaved families, the affected school community, and the government and people of Oyo State before calling on senators to rise for a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased.
The Senate President also cautioned politicians against exploiting the tragedy for partisan advantage, insisting that insecurity should unite rather than divide Nigerians.
“At moments such as these, there is a temptation to divide, accuse, and seek advantage from tragedy. Politicians and aspirants must resist that temptation for such cheap publicity.
“Those who kidnap our children, terrorise communities, and murder innocent citizens do not distinguish between party, faith, or ethnicity. Their assault is directed against Nigeria itself,” he said.
He urged lawmakers and Nigerians to remain united in supporting lawful measures aimed at tackling insecurity, protecting schools and communities, and ensuring that perpetrators face justice.
“Therefore, our response must be equal to the challenge. We must stand united, firm, and resolute. Let us continue to support every lawful and necessary measure to strengthen security, protect schools, safeguard communities, and ensure that every bandit faces the full weight of justice,” Akpabio said.
The Senate resumed legislative activities amid growing concerns over school abductions and attacks on educational institutions in parts of the country, with stakeholders calling for stronger measures to safeguard students, teachers and learning environments. {The Punch}