The Senate has urged the federal government to intensify efforts and deploy necessary resources for the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The upper legislative chamber also called on the federal government to strengthen and expand the Safe Schools Initiative.

It stated that this should be done through enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering and improved security deployment around vulnerable schools and communities across the country.

The resolutions were sequel to a motion sponsored by Abdulfatai Buhari (APC-Oyo) during plenary on Wednesday.

Moving the motion, Mr Buhari noted with grave concern that 49 persons comprising schoolchildren, teachers and a toddler were attacked and kidnapped by gunmen.

“Three victims were shot, one teacher brutally beheaded and 45 others remaining in captivity,” he said.

He noted that the victims were abducted from a learning environment which ought to symbolise safety, hope and the future of our nation.

Mr Buhari said: “This was a most barbaric act, which has struck fear into the people of the state and Nigerians at large.

“The incident has generated anxiety and public outrage while raising serious concerns about the security of schools and rural communities across the federation. When schools become hunting grounds for criminals, the future of the nation itself is imperilled.” 

Contributing, Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) recalled the lack of accountability regarding the abduction of schoolchildren in a community in Kebbi State where military operatives were reportedly withdrawn shortly before the attack.

He recalled that military officers stationed at the school were ordered to withdraw, and about 40 minutes later, bandits invaded and abducted nearly 200 children.

The senator noted that the Senate had previously passed a resolution directing the military high command to disclose the identity of the officer responsible for the withdrawal order and explain what action had been taken against him.

“To the best of my knowledge, we have not received any response to that simple inquiry,” he said.

He stressed that if the armed forces were not held accountable and if the National Assembly fails to carry out proper oversight of resources appropriated for security, the country might continue to face worsening insecurity.

“We need to do more than lament. We need to conduct security audits. We need to know how appropriated funds were spent, who received them, and what results were achieved. This Senate is entitled to answers to the questions it has unanimously asked,” he said.

Similarly, Sani Musa acknowledged the efforts made by successive administrations to strengthen the country’s security architecture through procurement, recruitment and increased funding.

He noted that service chiefs had been brought closer to the seat of government to enable effective monitoring of security operations and commended security agencies for their efforts despite the enormous challenges they face.

However, Mr Musa argued that there was a distinction between officers who formulate policies and those who carry out operations on the frontline.

“I think the time has come for the National Assembly to call service chiefs to account for the resources appropriated to them. If this is not done, overcoming insecurity will remain difficult,” he said.

In his remarks, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, noted that it was commendable that decisive action had been taken by President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Barau stated, “The military has also been urged to step up its efforts in addressing the security challenges facing the nation.

“Of course, they are already doing their best, and we are proud of our men and women in uniform who continue to make sacrifices in the line of duty. Those calling for accountability are not wrong. That is how the system works; there must be accountability in every sector and in all that we do.

“While it is important to hold those responsible accountable, it does not diminish the sacrifices and commitment of our security personnel as they confront the enemies of our nation. We urge our armed forces to remain steadfast in safeguarding lives and property. We also encourage Mr President not to relent in the fight against insecurity.”

A minute silence was afterwards observed for the victims that lost their lives.

(NAN)