Tolu Bankole Condemns School Abductions, Demands Urgent Rescue of Victims

A member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aare Tolu Bankole, has condemned the recent abduction of pupils, teachers and school administrators in Oyo, Borno and other parts of the country, calling for immediate action to secure the release of all victims.

Bankole described the attacks as barbaric and unacceptable, warning that schools must remain safe spaces for learning and not become targets for bandits and terrorists.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the APC chieftain expressed concern over the reported abduction of 46 pupils, teachers and a principal in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as the kidnapping of between 48 and 51 pupils in Mussa Community, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

He also referenced coordinated attacks in Plateau, Kogi and Anambra states, saying the incidents underscored the urgent need for stronger measures to protect lives and property across the country.

According to Bankole, recent events appear to fit a pattern observed in previous election cycles, where attacks on schools and mass abductions intensified in the months leading up to general elections.

He cited the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction before the 2015 elections, the Dapchi abduction and attacks in Zamfara, Kaduna and Borno ahead of the 2019 polls, as well as the Kankara, Jangebe and Greenfield University kidnappings recorded before the 2023 general elections.

The APC NWC member said the current wave of attacks in Oyo, Borno, Plateau and Kogi states appears to be unfolding about 18 months before the 2027 elections, a trend he described as worrying.

“It is quite alarming that this surge in kidnappings follows a pattern observed since 2015. Available data from security trackers show that attacks on schools and mass abductions tend to peak in the months preceding general elections,” he said.

While acknowledging efforts by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to strengthen the country’s security architecture through increased funding, equipment procurement and welfare support for security personnel, Bankole said Nigerians expect tangible results.

“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 procurement of equipment, welfare packages and operational funding. Nigerians deserve to see commensurate results,” he stated.

He urged security agencies to intensify efforts aimed at rescuing all abducted pupils, teachers and other victims unharmed.

According to him, the situation requires coordinated and time-bound rescue operations backed by clear mandates and measurable outcomes.

“The urgency of the situation demands that we move beyond statements to decisive action on the ground,” he said.

Bankole also advocated improved training and reorientation of security personnel in modern counter-terrorism strategies, intelligence-led operations and the protection of vulnerable targets such as schools.

He called for the rapid deployment of technology, including drones, surveillance cameras and monitoring systems, to track criminal activities along highways, forests and other flashpoints.

The APC chieftain further stressed the need for stronger security presence in rural communities through the establishment of additional police posts and military formations in vulnerable areas.

He also advocated support for local vigilante groups through training, communication equipment and legal backing, describing them as valuable partners in community-based security efforts.

“Local vigilante groups must be encouraged, supported and strengthened by government authorities. These community defenders know the terrain and can serve as the first line of defence when properly equipped,” he said.

Bankole urged communities to work closely with security agencies through intelligence sharing and cooperation, insisting that security remains a collective responsibility.

He called on Nigerians to report suspicious movements, unusual gatherings and other activities that could assist security agencies in preventing attacks.

The APC leader expressed solidarity with families affected by the recent kidnappings and attacks, pledging to continue advocating for stronger protection of schools and communities across the country.

“The time for rhetoric is over. The time for decisive action is now,” he said.