GODSWILL-AKPABIO
Olamilekan Abayomi
The Senate on Tuesday June 2, 2026, condemned the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, describing it as an “assault on our collective humanity”. The condemnation came as lawmakers resumed plenary after the Sallah recess, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio leading a one-minute silence for two teachers and a pupil killed in the attack.
Akpabio told senators they resumed “under the mournful shadow of a tragedy that has shaken our nation”. He said the abduction was not just an attack on innocent citizens but “an assault on our collective humanity”. According to him, the tragedy strikes at Nigeria’s future because children and teachers represent the foundation of national progress. “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 paid tribute to Michael Oyedokun, who reportedly died in captivity, and Adesiyan Adegboye, the assistant headmaster killed during the attack. A child victim was also mourned. “Their loss is our loss. Their sorrow is our sorrow. Their pain is our pain,” Akpabio said.
The abduction happened on May 15, 2026, when terrorists attacked three schools in Esiele, Yamota and Alawusa communities in Oriire LGA. Over 40 pupils, students and teachers were taken, and at least two people were killed. Videos later showed abducted teachers pleading for rescue, and one mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded.
The incident sparked nationwide outrage, protests by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, and an indefinite strike by teachers in Oyo. Parents rejected rice and cash brought by government officials, saying they only wanted their children back. President Tinubu approved recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo and directed a specialised security unit to intensify rescue efforts. A presidential delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila also visited Ogbomoso to coordinate the federal response.
Senate President Akpabio directed Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to fix a date for a proposed national security summit to address worsening insecurity. He expressed hope that those still held captive would regain freedom through security agencies’ efforts. The Senate also warned against divisive comments that could embolden abductors.
It’s a grim situation. The May 15 attack in Oriire LGA is the latest in a string of school abductions that have forced school closures across several states.
