Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele has condemned the abduction of 87 students and teachers in Borno State and Oyo State, warning that the attacks expose the urgent need for state police across Nigeria.
in a statement on Sunday, Bamidele, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, described the kidnappings as a direct assault on Nigeria’s future.
According to him, the 10th National Assembly is nearing completion of constitutional amendments aimed at establishing state police to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework.
“One of such initiatives is the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution that seeks to establish state police, which is now at an advanced stage,” Bamidele stated.
He said the proposal would soon be transmitted to state Houses of Assembly for approval after the National Assembly concludes its legislative process.
Bamidele appealed to governors and state lawmakers to treat the state police proposal as a national security priority rather than a partisan issue.
The Senate leader also urged federal and state governments to urgently implement the Safe School Initiative to address insecurity in schools and reduce Nigeria’s rising out-of-school children crisis.
“We cannot and must not allow it to continue,” he said while condemning the abduction of students and teachers.
The lawmaker disclosed that the National Assembly would resume plenary on June 2 to finalise outstanding security-related legislation, including amendments to the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
The attacks occurred after gunmen abducted 45 students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, while Boko Haram insurgents reportedly kidnapped 42 students during an attack on a school in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The incidents have renewed nationwide concerns over school safety and the persistent threat of mass kidnappings.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
