By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — Former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for the immediate release of schoolchildren, teachers and pupils abducted by terrorists in Oyo State, urging their captors to act on “humanity and conscience.”
Obi made the appeal on Wednesday via his X handle, expressing deep shock over the reported condition of some of the victims and describing the incident as a painful reflection of worsening insecurity in the country.
“I am deeply shocked and heartbroken by the condition in which these abducted school children are,” he said, adding that no grievance or circumstance could justify the targeting of innocent children.
He appealed directly to the abductors to release the victims, stressing that every child represents someone’s hope and future, and calling for mercy and immediate freedom for those in captivity.
“I therefore appeal to your sense of mercy: release these children immediately. Let them go,” he wrote.
The Senate also on Wednesday condemned the abduction and urged the Federal Government and security agencies to deploy all necessary resources for the immediate rescue of the victims.
Lawmakers observed a minute’s silence for those killed in the attack and expressed concern over repeated assaults on schools and rural communities, warning that such incidents threaten the nation’s future.
The motion, sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North), detailed the scale of the attack, including killings and the abduction of dozens of pupils, teachers and a toddler in Oyo communities.
During debate, senators called for stronger implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, improved intelligence gathering and enhanced protection of vulnerable communities.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole raised concerns over accountability in security operations, urging a comprehensive audit of funds allocated to security agencies and questioning operational decisions linked to the attack.
He warned that without effective oversight, insecurity would persist despite rising budgetary allocations.
Senator Sani Musa also stressed the need for transparency in the management of security resources, questioning gaps between funding and operational effectiveness.
He called on the National Assembly to intensify its oversight role to ensure proper utilisation of funds and improved outcomes in the fight against insecurity.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau commended security agencies for their efforts but urged sustained action, noting that defeating insecurity requires collective responsibility across all arms of government.
The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to supporting stronger security measures and ensuring the safe return of all abducted victims.
