RismadarVoice Reporters
June 2, 2026
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the abduction of teachers and students in Oyo State, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of those still in captivity.
Akpabio made the call during the resumption of Senate plenary following a four-week recess, during which lawmakers returned to their constituencies and participated in political party primaries.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, the Senate President described the kidnapping as a national tragedy and an attack on Nigeria’s future.
“We resume our work under the mournful shadow of a tragedy that has shaken our nation. The abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State is not merely an attack on innocent citizens; it is an assault on our collective humanity,” Akpabio said.
He noted that the continued captivity of the victims underscores the country’s security challenges and threatens confidence in the education system.
“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 stated.
The Senate President also paid tribute to two educators, Mr Michael Oyedokun, who reportedly died in captivity, and Mr Adesiyan Adegboye, who was killed during the attack. He further mourned a child victim who lost their life in the incident.
“We share the pain of the bereaved families. Their loss is our loss. Their sorrow is our sorrow. Their pain is our pain,” he said.
Despite the tragedy, Akpabio expressed confidence that ongoing efforts by the government and security agencies would lead to the safe rescue of those still being held by their abductors.
He called on political leaders and aspirants across party lines to avoid politicising the country’s security challenges, stressing that banditry and terrorism affect all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation, religion or ethnicity.
“Those who kidnap our children, terrorise our communities and murder innocent citizens do not distinguish between party, faith or ethnicity. Their assault is directed against Nigeria itself. Therefore, our response must be equal to the challenge. We must stand united, firm and resolute,” he said.
Akpabio urged continued support for measures aimed at strengthening security, protecting schools and communities, and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes face justice.
He extended the Senate’s condolences to the families of the victims, the affected school community, and the government and people of Oyo State.
