The Senate on Wednesday called for the immediate rescue of dozens of schoolchildren, teachers and other victims abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, warning that continued attacks on schools threaten the nation’s future.

The upper chamber also urged the Federal Government to strengthen and expand the Safe Schools Initiative through improved surveillance, intelligence gathering and enhanced security around vulnerable schools and communities nationwide.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo Central), who drew attention to the May 15 attack on Ahoro-Esiele and neighbouring communities in Oriire LGA.

Presenting the motion, Buhari said the victims, including pupils and teachers, were abducted from what should have been a safe learning environment, while several people lost their lives during the attack.

He described the incident as a direct assault on the country’s future, warning that insecurity around schools could erode public confidence in education and heighten fear among rural communities.

The lawmaker expressed concern over reports that a toddler was among those kidnapped, describing it as evidence of the attackers’ brutality. He also lamented the killing of a teacher during the attack, calling it a tragic reflection of the security challenges facing many communities.

The Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of those killed and sympathised with the affected families, the people of Oyo State and the state government.

Lawmakers further directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to secure the release of the abductees and prevent similar incidents across the country.

During the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) called for stricter oversight of security spending, stressing the need to ensure accountability and effectiveness in the use of funds appropriated to security agencies.

Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) urged state governments to take a more active role in supporting security efforts, noting that ungoverned spaces continue to provide cover for criminal activities.

The Senate also acknowledged the recent visit by a Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President and other top security officials to assess the situation and sympathise with victims.

Speaking with journalists after plenary, Buhari appealed to Nigerians not to politicise the tragedy, stressing that ongoing rescue operations require caution due to the number of children involved.

He said security agencies were working to secure the safe return of the victims and warned that the release of sensitive operational details could undermine rescue efforts.

According to him, priority should be given to securing the freedom of the abductees and restoring confidence in the safety of schools and communities across the country.