● Senate President calls for unity, demands justice for slain teachers, kidnapped pupils
The Senate returned from Sallah recess Tuesday to grief, resolve, and a renewed vow of duty as President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio declared that Nigeria’s future hangs on its ability to protect children and teachers.
Opening the session on June 2, 2026, Akpabio told lawmakers they were “custodians of the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians” and urged them to return to work renewed by faith, sacrifice, and service.
But the mood was heavy. He said the chamber reconvened “under the mournful shadow of a tragedy that has shaken our nation” — the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
— “An assault on our collective humanity”—
Akpabio described the attack as more than a crime. It was, he said, an assault on Nigeria itself.
“We mourn because if we cannot protect our children we imperil our future. We mourn because a nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its teachers weakens the very foundations upon which education rests. And we mourn because, for as long as those children remain in captivity, our nation remains captive with them.”
He named the dead: Mr. Michael Oyedokun, who died in captivity, and Mr. Adesiyan Adegboye, killed during the attack.
He also mourned a child “whose life was cut short before its promise could be fulfilled.”
“Let us rise and observe one minute of silence in honour of the departed,” Akpabio requested.
The chamber stood. “May the Almighty God grant them eternal rest and comfort all who mourn,” Akpabio prayed.
—“Their pain is our pain”—
On behalf of the Senate, he extended condolences to bereaved families, the school community, and the government and people of Oyo State.
“Yet even in the midst of grief, we remain hopeful that, through the determined efforts of the government and our security agencies, those still in captivity will be safely rescued and reunited with their loved ones.”
— No cheap politics in tragedy—
Akpabio warned politicians against exploiting the tragedy for advantage.
Read him: “At moments such as these, there is a temptation to divide, to accuse, and to seek advantage from tragedy. Those who kidnap our children… do not distinguish between party, faith, or ethnicity. Their assault is directed against Nigeria itself. Therefore, our response must be equal to the challenge.”
He urged lawmakers to support every lawful measure to strengthen security, protect schools, and ensure “every bandit faces the full weight of justice.”
—“When duty called, this Senate answered”—
Congratulating parties that concluded primaries, Akpabio said “above every individual triumph stands the greater triumph — the triumph of democracy itself.”
He charged the Senate to differ honestly but remain united: “Let us continue to conduct ourselves with dignity so that future generations will say that when Nigeria faced difficulty, this Senate did not falter; when leadership was required, this Senate did not shrink; and when duty called, this Senate answered.”
“With faith in God, confidence in our country, and determination in our purpose, I welcome you back to the service of our great country, Nigeria. May God bless this Senate, and may God bless the F⁹ederal Republic of Nigeria.”
