The Senate has called on the federal government to take urgent action to rescue victims of recent kidnappings in Oyo and Kwara states, including students, teachers, and members of a traditional ruler's family. On Wednesday, gunmen abducted the sister of former Power Minister Chief Adebayo Adelabu and her twin children in Ibadan's Elewura area. The same day, an immigration office in Ogbomoso was attacked. Separately, seven students from a federal polytechnic were abducted on May 15 in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, alongside other victims. A teacher was killed during the attack, and a toddler was among those taken.
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North), who led debate on the motion, described the incident as an assault on the nation's future and expressed concern over the vulnerability of schools. The Senate observed a minute of silence for those killed and urged improved security around educational institutions through the Safe Schools Initiative. Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) called for tighter oversight of security funding, while Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) urged state governments to support security operations.
In Kwara North, Senator Sadiq Umar (APC, Kwara North) presented a motion highlighting ongoing insecurity, including the burning of the Emir of Yashikira's palace and the abduction of members of his family, some of whom remain in captivity. He noted that months after the Woro massacre, women and children from that attack are still held by armed groups. The difficult terrain around Kainji Lake National Park and adjoining forests was cited as a haven for criminal networks. The Senate demanded a military offensive and federal intervention to restore safety in the region.
A federal delegation led by Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila recently visited the affected areas in Oyo. Senator Buhari appealed to the public not to politicise the abductions, stating that security agencies are actively working on rescue operations but warning that revealing operational details could endanger efforts.
Senator Sadiq Umar highlighted that months after the Woro massacre, women and children remain in captivity, yet the federal government has not launched a decisive military response in Kwara North. The continued detention of the Emir of Yashikira's family exposes a gap between Senate motions and on-ground security action. While senators call for intervention, the absence of confirmed rescue progress undermines public confidence in federal capability. Nigerians in Kwara North are left vulnerable despite repeated legislative appeals.
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