The Senate on Tuesday condemned the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, describing the incident as a grave attack on the nation’s conscience.

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, characterised the abduction as a national tragedy and an assault on the country’s collective humanity.

Addressing lawmakers at the resumption of plenary, Akpabio said the incident underscored the urgent need to confront the country’s worsening security challenges.

“We resume our work under the mournful shadow of a tragedy that has shaken our nation. The abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State is not merely an attack on innocent citizens; it is an assault on our collective humanity,” Akpabio said.

He lamented the country’s inability to fully guarantee the safety of children and educators, warning that persistent insecurity poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s future and educational system.

Akpabio paid tribute to victims of the attack, including Michael Oyedokun, who died in captivity, and Adesiyan Adegboye, who was killed during the abduction. He also mourned a child victim who lost his life.

“Their loss is our loss. Their sorrow is our sorrow. Their pain is our pain,” he said.

The Senate President expressed hope that those still being held captive would soon regain their freedom through the efforts of security agencies and government authorities before leading lawmakers in a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased.

He subsequently directed Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele to fix a date for the proposed national security summit aimed at addressing the country’s deteriorating security situation.

The Senate’s intervention comes amid growing concern over mass kidnappings across parts of the country, including the 15 May attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, during which 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted.

The incident sparked widespread outrage, public protests, and an indefinite strike by teachers in the state.

Meanwhile, Akpabio also sought to reassure senators who lost their party nominations during the recently concluded primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said the Senate leadership was working to address concerns arising from the outcome of the primaries. His remarks followed reports that several serving senators failed to secure their parties’ nominations, creating uncertainty about their political futures ahead of the 2027 elections.