By Joseph Paul
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday called for a united national response to secure the release of teachers and pupils abducted in Oyo State, urging Nigerians to rise above political, ethnic and religious divisions in the face of the tragedy.
Speaking during his welcome address at the resumption of Senate plenary after the Sallah recess in Abuja, Akpabio described the incident as a painful national tragedy and appealed for collective support for ongoing rescue efforts.
The Senate President said the abduction of schoolchildren and educators represented a grave threat to the nation’s future, warning that attacks on schools undermine education and create fear within communities.
“We mourn because if we cannot protect our children, we imperil our future. We mourn because a nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its teachers weakens the very foundations upon which education rests,” he said.
Akpabio also paid tribute to two teachers, Michael Oyedokun and Adesiyan Adegboye, who reportedly lost their lives in connection with the incident, while extending condolences to the family of a child said to have been killed during the attack.
Lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honour of the victims before conveying their sympathies to the bereaved families, the affected school community and the people and government of Oyo State.
Expressing confidence in the efforts of security agencies, the Senate President said he remained optimistic that those still in captivity would be rescued and reunited with their families.
He cautioned against politicising the incident, insisting that insecurity should be viewed as a national challenge requiring a coordinated and non-partisan response.
“At moments such as these, there is a temptation to divide and seek political advantage from tragedy. We must resist that temptation. Those who attack our communities are enemies of Nigeria, and our response must be united and resolute,” he stated.
Akpabio urged citizens to support initiatives aimed at strengthening security across the country, protecting schools and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice.
He also reminded lawmakers of their responsibility to protect the interests of Nigerians and contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at improving safety and national security.
According to him, despite the security challenges confronting the country, Nigerians must remain resilient and continue to work together towards achieving lasting peace, stability and development.
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