(Peter Obi.Photo by Sky News)
Former Anambra State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for the immediate and unconditional release of schoolchildren, teachers, and pupils abducted by terrorists in Oyo State, urging those holding them captive to be guided by their sense of humanity and conscience.
Obi made the appeal on Wednesday through a post on his social media page, expressing profound shock and heartbreak over reports of the condition of some of the victims.
He described the incident as a painful testament to the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, stressing that no grievance or cause could ever justify the targeting of innocent children.
He appealed directly to the abductors to show mercy and set the victims free immediately, reminding them that every child represents the hopes and future of a family.
In a related development, the Senate on Wednesday also condemned the abduction and called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to mobilise all available resources toward the immediate rescue of the victims.
Lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of those killed during the attack and expressed alarm over the recurring pattern of assaults on schools and rural communities, warning that such incidents pose a grave threat to the country’s future.
The motion, sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North), outlined the full scale of the attack, which involved killings and the abduction of dozens of pupils, teachers, and even a toddler from communities in Oyo State.
During the debate, senators advocated for stronger implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, improved intelligence gathering, and enhanced protection for vulnerable communities.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole raised concerns about accountability within the security sector, calling for a comprehensive audit of funds allocated to security agencies and questioning certain operational decisions connected to the attack.
He cautioned that without meaningful oversight, insecurity would persist regardless of how much money is budgeted for security.
Senator Sani Musa echoed these concerns, emphasising the need for greater transparency in how security resources are managed and calling on the National Assembly to strengthen its oversight function to ensure that funds are properly utilised and that the fight against insecurity yields better results.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau commended the efforts of security agencies while urging continued and sustained action, noting that overcoming insecurity is a shared responsibility that requires coordinated commitment across all arms of government.
The Senate reaffirmed its dedication to supporting stronger security measures and ensuring the safe return of all those still in captivity.