Senate Demands State Police After 87 Students Abducted

ABUJA — The Nigerian Senate has condemned the abduction of 87 students and teachers from schools in Borno and Oyo states. The twin attacks happened within 24 hours last Friday. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the incidents as a direct attack on Nigeria’s future.

Suspected gunmen took 45 students and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. At the same time, Boko Haram fighters stormed Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba LGA of Borno State. They abducted 42 students in that attack.

Bamidele said the abductions demand urgent action. He called on federal and state governments to implement the Safe School Initiative right away. “The incessant abduction of students and teachers is a tragic national concern that negates our national development indices,” Bamidele said.

He also warned that Nigeria cannot afford to wait. The Senate leader said state police creation is now a matter of national urgency. The National Assembly is close to finishing the constitutional amendment that would allow states to run their own police forces.

A Broken Promise to Schools

The attacks are especially troubling given past investments. In 2014, the global community raised $30 million to secure Nigerian schools after the Chibok kidnapping. However, schools across the country remain easy targets for armed groups.

Nigeria currently has 18.3 million out-of-school children. Bamidele said continued school attacks will only worsen that number. He urged governments at all levels to work together on school safety measures without delay.

Moreover, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed that seven teachers were abducted in the Oriire attack. Security agencies have arrested several suspects. Rescue operations are continuing as of Monday morning.

Senate Promises Action on June 2

Bamidele pledged that the National Assembly will fast-track security legislation when plenary resumes on June 2. He said the state police bill is at an advanced stage of the constitutional review process.

For the state police bill to become law, two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 state assemblies must approve the constitutional amendment. That process will begin once the National Assembly completes its own review.

In addition, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordered additional tactical and intelligence units to Oriire LGA. He said all efforts are focused on safely recovering the abducted students and teachers.