Oyo Kidnapping: Obi, Senate call for urgent action on victims’ release

Former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Peter Obi, Peter Obi, has appealed for the immediate release of schoolchildren, teachers and pupils abducted by terrorists in Oyo State, urging their captors to heed the call of “humanity and conscience.”

In a statement shared on his social media platform on Wednesday, Obi expressed deep concern over reports about the condition of the victims, describing the incident as a tragic reflection of Nigeria’s worsening security situation.

“I am deeply shocked and heartbroken by the condition in which these abducted school children are,” Obi stated, stressing that no grievance or circumstance could justify the abduction of innocent children.

The former governor appealed directly to the abductors, urging them to release the victims without delay.

“Every child is someone’s hope and future. I therefore appeal to your sense of mercy: release these children immediately. Let them go,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Senate of Nigeria also condemned the abduction and called on the Federal Government and security agencies to deploy every available resource to secure the safe return of the victims.

Lawmakers observed a minute’s silence for those killed during the attack and warned that continued assaults on schools and rural communities pose a serious threat to the nation’s future.

The motion, sponsored by Abdulfatai Buhari, highlighted the scale of the attack, including fatalities and the abduction of dozens of pupils, teachers and a toddler from affected communities in Oyo State.

During deliberations, senators advocated stronger implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, improved intelligence gathering and enhanced security around vulnerable communities.

Adams Oshiomhole raised concerns about accountability in security operations, calling for a comprehensive audit of security spending and questioning operational decisions surrounding the incident.

Similarly, Sani Musa urged greater transparency in the management of security resources and called on the National Assembly to strengthen oversight mechanisms to ensure effective use of allocated funds.

Presiding over the session, Jibrin Barau commended security agencies for their efforts but stressed that sustained action and collaboration across all levels of government are necessary to defeat insecurity.

The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to supporting stronger security measures and ensuring the safe return of all abducted victims.