The Senate has issued a stern call to politicians and the public to refrain from weaponizing the recent abduction of school children and teachers in Oyo State for political mileage, emphasizing that insecurity is a national threat requiring a unified front.
Speaking on tuesday during his welcome address as lawmakers resumed plenary following the Sallah recess, President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, described the targeted attack on educators and students as a direct assault on the nation’s collective humanity.
Those behind these kidnappings and violent attacks do not distinguish between political parties, religion, or ethnicity. Insecurity is a national challenge that demands a united, unwavering response.
To honor the victims of the tragedy, the Senate observed a minute of silence for those affected, including two teachers who were killed during the initial assault and a third teacher who tragically died while in captivity.
While extending the upper chamber’s deepest condolences to the grieving families and the people of Oyo State, Akpabio cautioned political actors and aspirants against exploiting the trauma of vulnerable citizens for partisan gains. He stressed that the continued captivity of the victims is a stark reminder of the urgent need to fortify security nationwide, secure educational institutions, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Senate President concluded by urging all Nigerians to support lawful, aggressive measures to eradicate banditry and terrorism, asserting that the government’s response must fully match the scale and gravity of the threats facing the country.
