The Senate has intensified pressure on the Federal Government and security agencies to secure the immediate release of students, pupils and teachers abducted during a recent attack on schools in Oyo State.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, who alerted lawmakers to the abduction of 46 persons, including schoolchildren and teachers, in the state.
While expressing concern over the worsening security situation, the upper chamber called for urgent and coordinated efforts to rescue the victims and prevent future attacks on educational institutions.
However, a proposal seeking a comprehensive audit of military spending and security operations failed to gain support during deliberations.
The motion was introduced by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who argued that the National Assembly must exercise stronger oversight over defence expenditures and assess the effectiveness of past security resolutions.
According to Oshiomhole, lawmakers have a constitutional responsibility to ensure accountability for funds allocated to the armed forces, especially in the face of persistent insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and insurgency across the country.
He noted that despite substantial budgetary allocations to security agencies, attacks on communities and schools continue, raising concerns about the utilisation of resources and the implementation of previous Senate directives.
The former Edo State governor also recalled a similar school abduction in Kebbi State, where allegations emerged that military personnel had been withdrawn from the affected area shortly before the attack occurred.
He lamented that a previous Senate resolution directing military authorities to identify the officer responsible for the withdrawal had yet to be implemented.
Despite his arguments, the proposal for a military spending audit was not seconded by any senator and consequently failed to advance.
During the debate, several lawmakers urged state governments to strengthen local security architecture and support federal initiatives aimed at combating criminal activities.
The Senate further called on the Federal Government to expand and strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative through enhanced intelligence gathering, surveillance systems and increased security presence around schools and vulnerable communities nationwide.
Lawmakers also stressed the need for greater accountability among security agencies and urged authorities to take decisive measures to protect students and educational facilities from recurring attacks.
The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at restoring security across the country while demanding urgent action to ensure the safe return of all abducted victims.
