Nigeria has once again been thrown into panic after a fresh wave of school abductions rocked both Oyo and Borno States within just 24 hours — and this time, the Senate is not keeping quiet.
The upper legislative chamber has fiercely condemned the heartbreaking kidnapping of 87 students and teachers, describing the horrifying incidents as nothing short of an attack on the nation’s future.
Reacting to the disturbing development, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity surrounding schools despite years of investments aimed at protecting educational institutions across the country.
The terrifying incidents reportedly unfolded in two separate locations. In Oyo State, suspected gunmen stormed schools in Oriire Local Government Area and allegedly whisked away 45 students and teachers, leaving families shattered and communities in fear.
Meanwhile, in Borno State, suspected Boko Haram terrorists reportedly invaded Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, abducting 42 students in yet another chilling attack that has sparked outrage nationwide.
Speaking through a statement released by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Sunday, Bamidele warned that repeated attacks on schools are not just criminal acts but dangerous threats capable of crippling Nigeria’s long-term development.
He stressed that the latest abductions expose urgent cracks in the nation’s security system, insisting stronger protection measures for schools can no longer be delayed.
In what may stir fresh political conversations, the Senate leader revealed that the National Assembly is currently pushing constitutional amendments to establish state police — a move many believe could strengthen grassroots security and speed up responses to threats.
According to him, the proposal has reached an advanced stage and may soon be forwarded to state Houses of Assembly for approval.
Bamidele also urged both federal and state governments to urgently reinforce the Safe School Initiative while broader reforms are being pursued, especially as Nigeria continues battling an alarming out-of-school children crisis.
He passionately appealed to political leaders to set aside party interests and avoid politicising insecurity, insisting that protecting children and educational institutions should remain a national priority.
The Senate also assured Nigerians that once plenary resumes, lawmakers will continue pursuing tougher legislative actions aimed at tackling insecurity and preventing more devastating school attacks.
As fear spreads and worried parents demand answers, one painful question continues to linger: Are Nigerian schools truly safe anymore?
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