A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and member of the party’s National Working Committee, Tolu Bankole, has condemned the recent abductions of pupils, teachers and school administrators in parts of the country.
Bankole also called for urgent and coordinated action to secure the release of all victims and strengthen security around schools.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, Bankole described the recent kidnappings in Oyo and Borno states, as well as attacks reported in other parts of the country, as “barbaric, criminal and unacceptable.”
He said schools should remain safe environments for learning and not become targets for criminal activities.
“The abduction of pupils, teachers and school administrators in different parts of the country is barbaric, criminal and unacceptable. Schools must remain sanctuaries of learning, not killing fields for bandits and terrorists,” he said.
Bankole expressed concern over what he described as a recurring pattern of attacks on educational institutions during periods leading up to general elections, citing reports from security monitoring organisations.
According to him, incidents such as the abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, Dapchi, Kankara, Jangebe and attacks on educational institutions in several states occurred during periods preceding national elections.
He said the recent incidents in Oyo, Borno and other states appeared to follow a similar trend.
“This pattern suggests criminals exploit political distraction and security fatigue. Nigerians cannot afford another election cycle stained by the blood of innocent children,” he stated.
The APC chieftain called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue all abducted students and teachers and improve protection for vulnerable communities.
“I call on the Nigerian security apparatus to do more to protect the lives and property of citizens. The Tinubu administration has made huge investments in our security architecture through the procurement of equipment, welfare packages and operational funding. 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. This cannot continue. It must stop,” he said.
Bankole urged security chiefs to launch coordinated rescue operations with clear timelines and objectives.
“Security chiefs must launch coordinated, time-bound rescue operations with clear mandates to secure the release of all captives. The urgency of the situation demands that we move beyond statements to decisive action on the ground,” he said.
He also advocated enhanced training for security personnel in modern counter-terrorism strategies, intelligence gathering and the protection of schools and other vulnerable targets.
“Our security agencies require immediate training and reorientation in modern counter-terrorism, intelligence-led operations and the protection of soft targets like schools. The tactics of these criminals have evolved, and our response must evolve faster,” he added.
Bankole further called for the deployment of surveillance technology, including drones and security cameras, to monitor forests, highways and other areas frequently used by criminal groups.
“Technology must be deployed without delay. Drones, security cameras and surveillance systems should be rapidly installed to monitor highways, forests and other flashpoints where these criminals operate with impunity,” he said.
The APC chieftain also advocated stronger security presence in rural communities through the establishment of additional police posts and military formations, while urging authorities to support local vigilante groups with training, equipment and legal backing.
He stressed that communities also have a role to play in tackling insecurity through intelligence sharing and cooperation with security agencies.
“Security is a collective responsibility, and no government can succeed without the active participation of the people,” Bankole said.
He urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities in their communities and expressed solidarity with families affected by the recent incidents.
“I stand with the grieving families and assure Nigerians that I 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 said.