Bankole Condemns Abduction of Pupils in Oyo, Borno, Demands Urgent Security Action
By Raphael Ekpang
A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee, Aare Hon. Tolu Bankole, has strongly condemned the recent wave of kidnappings and killings targeting pupils, students, and teachers in Oyo State, Borno State, and other parts of Nigeria, describing the attacks as barbaric and unacceptable.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bankole expressed concern over the abduction of dozens of pupils, teachers, and school administrators in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and Mussa Community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, as well as similar attacks reported in Plateau, Kogi, and Anambra states.
According to him, schools must remain safe spaces for learning and should never become targets for criminals and terrorists.
“The abduction of pupils, teachers and school administrators is criminal and unacceptable. Schools must remain sanctuaries of learning, not killing fields for bandits and terrorists,” he stated.
Bankole noted that the recent incidents appear to follow a disturbing trend observed in the years leading up to general elections.
Citing data from security monitoring organisations, including SB Morgen, the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), and the Council on Foreign Relations Nigeria Security Tracker, he said attacks on schools and mass abductions have historically increased within 12 to 18 months preceding election cycles.
He recalled that the abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok in 2014 occurred ahead of the 2015 general elections, while the Dapchi schoolgirls’ abduction and other attacks in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Borno intensified before the 2019 polls. He also referenced the Kankara, Jangebe, and Greenfield University kidnappings that occurred before the 2023 elections.
“Now in 2025 and 2026, the current wave of attacks in Oyo, Borno, Plateau and Kogi is occurring about 18 months before the 2027 elections, mirroring the same pattern. Nigerians cannot afford another election cycle stained by the blood of innocent children,” he said.
The APC chieftain called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of all abducted pupils, students, teachers, and other victims.
He acknowledged the investments made by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in strengthening the country’s security architecture through the procurement of equipment, welfare improvements, and operational funding, but stressed that Nigerians expect tangible results.
“The Tinubu Administration has made huge investments in our security architecture. Nigerians deserve to see commensurate results. Security agencies must justify this investment by intensifying action to bring all abducted students and their teachers back home alive and unharmed,” he said.
Bankole urged security chiefs to initiate coordinated and time-bound rescue operations while also advocating enhanced training for security personnel in modern counter-terrorism and intelligence-led operations.
He further called for the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies, including drones, security cameras, and monitoring systems, to track criminal activities along highways, forests, and other vulnerable locations.
According to him, the government should strengthen security presence in rural communities through the establishment of additional police posts and military formations in areas prone to attacks.
He also advocated greater support for local vigilante groups through training, communication equipment, and legal backing, noting that community-based security initiatives can serve as an effective first line of defence.
Bankole emphasized the need for collaboration between government and local communities, stressing that intelligence sharing and public participation remain critical in the fight against insecurity.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, movements, and abandoned vehicles to security agencies.
“I stand with the grieving families and will continue to advocate until schools are safe, forests are cleared of criminals, and no child fears going to class. The time for rhetoric is over. The time for decisive action is now,” he added.
