The kidnapping of scores of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has triggered widespread condemnation across Nigeria, drawing reactions from the National Assembly, prompting coordinated demonstrations by teachers nationwide, and reigniting calls for far-reaching reforms of the country’s security framework.
The protests were held in the Federal Capital Territory and several states, including Edo, Rivers, Cross River, Benue, Adamawa, Taraba, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Osun, Lagos, Niger, and others.
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The nationwide outcry coincided with the resumption of Senate plenary on Tuesday following the Eid-el-Kabir break. Lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honour of two teachers and a pupil who lost their lives during the attack.
The incident occurred on May 15 when gunmen invaded three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers and leaving families in distress for weeks.
The abduction ranks among the most serious attacks on educational institutions in recent years, reviving memories of the Chibok and Dapchi school kidnappings and intensifying concerns over the safety of students and school personnel nationwide.
Speaking during plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the attack as a direct assault on the nation’s conscience.
He said the Senate resumed under the weight of a tragedy that had deeply shaken the country, stressing that the abduction of innocent pupils and teachers represented more than a criminal act, but an attack on the collective values and humanity of Nigerians.
Akpabio expressed optimism that ongoing efforts by government authorities and security agencies would lead to the safe rescue of those still being held and their reunion with their families.
He also warned against attempts to politicise the incident, urging political actors and aspirants to refrain from exploiting the tragedy for personal or partisan gain.
According to him, kidnappers and other violent criminals target Nigerians indiscriminately, regardless of political affiliation, religion, or ethnic background, making the fight against insecurity a collective national responsibility.
The attack comes amid increasing concern over the vulnerability of schools across the country.
Between May 13 and May 15, no fewer than 82 pupils were reportedly abducted in separate incidents in Oyo and Borno states.
In Borno State, 42 students were taken away after armed groups attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas.
Similarly, in Oyo State, 40 pupils were kidnapped during coordinated raids on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele.
The Oyo incident also claimed the lives of a mathematics teacher identified as Oyedokun, a commercial motorcyclist, and a security operative involved in rescue operations.
In response, the Nigeria Union of Teachers directed its members nationwide to stage solidarity rallies, calling for enhanced security measures in schools and the immediate release of all abducted teachers and students.
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