ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, alongside the Senate, has called for the immediate release and rescue of schoolchildren, teachers and other victims abducted by terrorists in Oyo State, describing the incident as another disturbing reminder of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
Obi made the appeal on Wednesday through his X account, expressing anguish over reports on the condition of the victims and insisting that no circumstance could justify the abduction of innocent children.
According to him, every child represents a family’s hope and future, urging the kidnappers to allow compassion and humanity to guide their actions.
“I am deeply shocked and heartbroken by the condition in which these abducted school children are,” Obi stated.
He stressed that no grievance, ideology or challenge should lead to the targeting of children and appealed directly to the abductors to release all those being held captive.
“I therefore appeal to your sense of mercy: release these children immediately. Let them go,” he wrote.
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Also reacting to the incident on Wednesday, the Senate strongly condemned the abduction and called on the Federal Government of Nigeria and security agencies to mobilise every available resource to secure the safe and immediate rescue of the victims.
Lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of those killed during the attack and voiced concern over the recurring assaults on schools and rural communities across the country.
The Senate’s position followed a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North), who highlighted the scale of the attack, including the killing of residents and the abduction of dozens of pupils, teachers and even a toddler from affected communities in Oyo State.
During deliberations on the motion, senators called for a more robust implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, improved intelligence gathering and stronger security protection for vulnerable communities.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole expressed concern over accountability in the nation’s security architecture, calling for a comprehensive audit of funds allocated to security agencies.
He questioned some operational decisions surrounding the attack and argued that without proper accountability, rising security budgets may continue to yield limited results.
According to him, effective oversight remains critical if the country is to make meaningful progress in tackling insecurity.
Similarly, Senator Sani Musa emphasised the need for greater transparency in the management of security resources, raising concerns about the gap between funding provided to security agencies and outcomes on the ground.
He urged the National Assembly to strengthen its oversight responsibilities to ensure that allocated funds are properly utilised and translated into improved security for citizens.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau commended security agencies for their ongoing efforts but stressed that sustained commitment was required to overcome the country’s security challenges.
Barau noted that the fight against insecurity demands a collective effort from all arms of government and stakeholders.
The Senate subsequently reaffirmed its commitment to supporting stronger security measures and working towards the safe return of all abducted victims.