The member representing Ijesa South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Sanya Omirin, has called on security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing the release of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Omirin made the appeal while condemning the killing of a teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, during the attack which occurred on May 16, 2025.
Describing the incident as tragic, heartbreaking and disturbing, the federal lawmaker said armed bandits invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School, abducting more than 30 pupils and teachers in broad daylight.
He expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mr. Oyedokun and extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, colleagues and the affected communities.
In a statement obtained by TheCasterNews, Omirin urged security agencies to intensify ongoing rescue operations and ensure that those responsible for the attack are apprehended and prosecuted. He stressed that the safety of schoolchildren and teachers must remain a top priority in the nation’s security agenda.
The lawmaker also acknowledged the efforts of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing insecurity across the country, noting that recent successful rescue operations demonstrate the capability of security agencies when adequately supported.
According to him, the recent release of the sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her children should serve as encouragement for security operatives to work tirelessly toward the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
He maintained that the abduction remains a matter of national concern and called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, local communities and relevant stakeholders to prevent future attacks on educational institutions.
Omirin noted that attacks on schools pose a serious threat to the future of the nation, as they create fear among parents, teachers and pupils while disrupting access to education. He warned that allowing criminal elements to target educational institutions with impunity could undermine years of progress recorded in the education sector.
The lawmaker emphasized the need for improved intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid response mechanisms in vulnerable communities, particularly in rural areas where schools are often exposed to security threats. He urged relevant authorities to deploy adequate personnel and resources to safeguard schools and other public institutions.
He also appealed to residents of the affected communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing rescue efforts and help track down the perpetrators. According to him, community participation remains vital in the fight against kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
Omirin called on the federal and state governments to strengthen the implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative and other security frameworks designed to protect students and teachers across the country. He stressed that every child deserves a safe learning environment free from fear and violence.
The federal legislator assured the families of the abducted victims that they have not been forgotten, expressing confidence that with sustained pressure and coordinated action by security agencies, the victims would be rescued safely and reunited with their loved ones.
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies through vigilance and timely information sharing, adding that collective action is necessary to overcome the security challenges confronting the nation.
Omirin reiterated that the protection of lives and property remains a constitutional responsibility of government at all levels, calling for sustained commitment and investment in security measures to ensure that incidents of school abduction become a thing of the past.
He prayed for the safe return of all the victims and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives and policies aimed at strengthening security and protecting lives across Nigeria.
