By Ado Oyeyemi
The Senate on Tuesday cautioned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, against politicising the abduction and rescue of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, urging him to refrain from actions capable of undermining the efforts of security agencies.
The warning followed the adoption of an additional motion sponsored by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during plenary presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
In the motion, which received unanimous support from lawmakers, the Senate commended President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for securing the release of the victims.
However, it criticised what it described as attempts to downplay the Federal Government’s role in the successful operation.
The upper chamber specifically urged Governor Makinde to discontinue calls for the United Nations and other international human rights organisations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction, arguing that such appeals could diminish the professionalism and sacrifices of the security personnel involved in the rescue mission.
The Senate also adopted a substantive motion moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, applauding President Tinubu’s leadership and strategic directives, which lawmakers said contributed significantly to the rescue of the victims after they had spent more than 50 days in captivity.
Lawmakers further commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies and other security operatives for carrying out the intelligence-led operation that resulted in the victims’ rescue, the arrest of eight suspected terrorists and the elimination of several others.
The Senate paid tribute to Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa and Sergeant Abena John Jerome, who lost their lives during the operation.
A minute of silence was observed in their honour, while the Federal Government was urged to ensure the immediate payment of all benefits and entitlements due to their families.
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The lawmakers also called on the Federal Government to sustain and intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements across the country, while reaffirming the Senate’s support for ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
