Nigeria’s Senate has expressed deep concern over the increasing wave of kidnappings, attacks on communities, and insecurity across the country, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to national stability, education, economic activity, and public confidence.
The upper chamber called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations for abducted schoolchildren, teachers, and other victims in Oyo State, while demanding stronger security measures in Kwara North and other vulnerable areas.
The Senate’s resolutions followed separate motions on the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State and continued attacks, killings, and kidnappings in Kwara North Senatorial District.
Senate Demands Rescue of Oyo School Victims
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North), who raised the motion on the Oyo abductions, described the attacks as an assault on Nigeria’s future, noting that the victims were taken from what should be a safe learning environment.
The Senate directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to secure the release of dozens of schoolchildren, teachers, and other residents abducted on May 15 in Ahoro-Esiele and surrounding communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Lawmakers expressed concern that a toddler was among those kidnapped and condemned the killing of a teacher during the attack.
The Senate observed a minute silence in honour of victims and urged the Federal Government to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative through improved surveillance, intelligence gathering, and security deployment around schools and vulnerable communities.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) called for stronger oversight of security spending to ensure resources allocated for national security produce measurable results.
Kwara North Faces Growing Security Threat
The Senate also raised concerns over repeated attacks in Kwara North, including the burning of the palace of the Emir of Yashikira and the continued captivity of victims abducted during previous attacks.
Senator Sadiq Umar said communities in the region had suffered persistent killings, kidnappings, and destruction of property, with criminal groups exploiting difficult terrains around Kainji Lake National Park and surrounding forests.
He disclosed that several women and children abducted during the Woro attack remained in captivity months after the incident.
The Senate called for increased military presence, additional security bases, deployment of more personnel and equipment, and coordinated operations to clear criminal hideouts.
Lawmakers also urged relevant agencies to provide humanitarian support to affected families and improve road infrastructure to strengthen security response and economic activities.
Wave of Abductions Spreads Across States
The Senate’s intervention comes amid a series of recent security incidents across the country.
In Oyo State, gunmen reportedly abducted the sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons in Ibadan.
The incident occurred shortly after the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Oyo State Police Command said it had launched investigations and deployed tactical teams to rescue the victims and arrest those responsible.
In another incident, gunmen attacked a Nigeria Immigration Service facility in Ogbomoso, reportedly dispossessing officers of firearms.
Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, seven students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, were abducted from their off-campus residence.
Security agencies, including the police and troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, have commenced rescue operations.
In Niger State, police also launched investigations after a private security guard allegedly disappeared with two children belonging to his employer and later demanded ransom.
Calls for Stronger National Security Strategy
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the security situation, saying the abduction of a former government official’s family member demonstrated that insecurity affects all Nigerians.
He called for a comprehensive security strategy focused on intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation, and improved operational effectiveness.
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi also appealed to kidnappers holding schoolchildren and teachers to release the victims, describing the situation as unacceptable.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) warned that it could support solidarity action with teachers over repeated attacks on schools and workers.
NLC President Joe Ajaero said the government must urgently address the worsening insecurity before the situation escalates further.
Economic and Social Impact
Security experts warn that rising insecurity threatens Nigeria’s education system, agricultural production, transportation networks, and investment climate.
Repeated attacks on communities and highways have increased concerns among businesses and investors over operational risks, supply chains, and the cost of doing business.
Stakeholders say restoring security will require stronger intelligence networks, community engagement, improved policing, and sustained investment in national s
