Schoolchildren Abduction: Nationwide Protests as NASS Calls for State Police

The abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has sparked nationwide outrage, prompting condemnation from the Senate, coordinated protests by teachers across the country, and renewed calls for comprehensive reforms to Nigeria’s security framework.

Protests took place in Abuja, Edo, Rivers, Cross River, Benue, Adamawa, Taraba, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Osun, Lagos, Niger, and several other states.

The Senate, resuming plenary on Tuesday after the Sallah recess, observed a one-minute silence in honour of two teachers and a pupil killed during the attack.

The incident, which occurred on May 15, saw armed men storm three schools in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities, abducting pupils and teachers and plunging families into weeks of anguish.

This attack has become one of the most significant school abductions in recent years, reviving painful memories of the Chibok and Dapchi kidnappings and raising fresh concerns about the safety of schools nationwide.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the attack as an assault on Nigeria’s collective humanity.

He stressed that the tragedy strikes at the nation’s future, as children and teachers form the foundation of progress.

Akpabio paid tribute to Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher who died in captivity, Adesiyan Adegboye, who was killed during the attack, and a pupil who also lost their life.

He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts by security agencies would secure the release of those still in captivity.

The Senate President cautioned politicians against exploiting the tragedy for partisan purposes, noting that perpetrators do not distinguish between party, faith, or ethnicity; their attack targets Nigeria itself.

Between May 13 and 15, at least 82 pupils were abducted in separate attacks in Oyo and Borno states.

In Borno, 42 pupils were kidnapped in Askira-Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas, while in Oyo, 40 pupils were abducted from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele.

The Oyo attack also claimed the lives of teacher Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist, and a security operative during rescue efforts.

In response, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) directed members nationwide to hold solidarity rallies demanding stronger protection for schools and the immediate release of abducted teachers and pupils.

House of Representatives Pushes Security Framework

In Abuja, the House of Representatives urged the Federal Government and security agencies to secure the release of 42 schoolchildren abducted from Mussa Ward in Askira-Uba, Borno.

Lawmakers also called for the urgent implementation of a national Safe Schools Security Framework to protect educational institutions across the country.

Midala Balami, representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, stressed that repeated attacks on schools are eroding public confidence and disrupting education.

The House mandated its committees on National Security, Defence, Basic Education, and Legislative Compliance to engage security agencies and report on rescue efforts.

The demand for state police also gained traction, with Ayodeji Alao-Akala of Ogbomosho North/South/Orire Federal Constituency describing the killing of Oyedokun as barbaric and demanding decisive government action.

He warned that forests around Old Oyo National Park have become safe havens for criminal groups.

Government Officials Respond

Teachers in Abuja protested at the Federal Capital Territory Administration Secretariat.

Minister Nyesom Wike assured them that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of victims and stressed that security agencies have the capacity to act promptly.

In Lagos, teachers marched to the State House of Assembly, where Speaker Mudashiru Obasa reiterated calls for state policing and condemned content creators exploiting tragedies online.

In Ibadan, Governor Seyi Makinde described the abduction as a national distress moment requiring unity rather than political blame.

He confirmed that security forces are working with intelligence agencies to track the abductors.

Nationwide Teacher Protests

Labour unions, including the NUT and NLC, joined protests across Ogun, Edo, Benue, Adamawa, and Niger states.

Teachers carried placards with messages such as “Teachers’ Lives Matter,” “The Classroom Must Not Become a Battlefield,” and “Bring Back Our Teachers in Oyo.”

Protesters called on the Federal Government to take urgent action to protect schools and secure the release of abducted students and teachers.

In Osun, panic over a rumored bandit invasion temporarily closed schools, though investigations confirmed the claims were false.

Governor Ademola Adeleke assured residents of school safety and pledged deployment of refurbished Armoured Personnel Carriers as part of a broader security strategy.

NAPPS and Stakeholder Mobilisation

Private school proprietors in Ogbomoso, through the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), mobilised stakeholders for prayers, advocacy, and awareness campaigns. NAPPS reaffirmed its commitment to the safe return of abducted pupils and teachers.

Call for Increased Policing Resources

The Nigeria Police Trust Fund urged the Senate to increase its statutory allocation from 0.5% to 1% to modernise policing with drones, surveillance systems, forensic labs, and digital intelligence tools, a measure deemed necessary to combat kidnapping, terrorism, and organized crime.

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