The abduction of 87 students and teachers in Borno and Oyo States has drawn strong condemnation from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who said the incidents underscore the urgent need for state police across Nigeria.
Bamidele, also Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, described the attacks as a direct assault on Nigeria’s future, warning that the nation could no longer tolerate the escalating insecurity around educational institutions.
Afenifere also expressed alarm over the recent attacks in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where gunmen targeted three schools last Friday.
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum pledged immediate humanitarian intervention and long-term resettlement support for thousands of displaced residents in Monguno following renewed attacks in northern Borno.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered the deployment of additional tactical and intelligence assets to reinforce security operations in the affected Oyo communities.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria also issued a security advisory for American citizens to heighten personal security awareness and limit unnecessary travel following a joint U.S.-Nigeria operation that killed a top terrorist commander on May 16.
Bamidele stressed that the 10th National Assembly is at an advanced stage of amending the 1999 Constitution to allow states to establish their own police forces. Once passed, the proposal will require approval from at least two-thirds of state assemblies.
He called on governors and lawmakers nationwide to treat the initiative as a national security priority rather than a partisan issue and urged intensified implementation of the Safe School Initiative to address the growing number of out-of-school children, currently estimated at 18.3 million.
“The incessant abduction of students and teachers is a national tragedy that undermines development,” Bamidele said. “We will rise against this trend through decisive legislation.”
Afenifere Voices Concern Over Growing Terror Threats
The Afenifere group lamented the repeated attacks across the South-West, recalling multiple incidents in Ogun, Ekiti, Kwara, and Oyo States over recent months. The organization criticized perceived gaps in security measures, including surveillance and governor-led initiatives, warning that terrorists are increasingly targeting southern Nigeria.
Zulum Promises Relief and Resettlement in Borno
Governor Zulum visited displaced persons in Monguno, assuring them of immediate humanitarian aid and long-term resettlement plans. He emphasized collaboration with the military and urged communities to support security agencies through timely intelligence sharing.
IGP Deploys Additional Security Forces to Oyo Schools
The IGP, accompanied by senior police officials, inspected the affected Oyo areas, promising intensified search-and-rescue operations, intelligence gathering, and tactical support to secure abducted victims and bring perpetrators to justice.
US Issues Safety Alert Following Counterterrorism Operation
After the May 16 operation that killed terrorist commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the U.S. Mission advised citizens to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and maintain emergency preparedness, highlighting ongoing security challenges in northern Nigeria.
The wave of abductions and attacks continues to fuel national debates on security reforms, highlighting urgent legislative and operational interventions to protect Nigeria’s students, teachers, and communities.
