Oyo School Kidnap: Obasa Assures Teachers of Legislative Support for State Police

Oyo School Kidnap: Obasa Assures Teachers of Legislative Support for State Police
Takes Protest to Lagos Assembly
Calls for Collective Action on Security

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has reaffirmed the legislature’s support for the establishment of state police as members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) staged a protest over the recent abduction of teachers and students in Oyo State.

Contents

EDITOR’S PICK
FURTHER READING

Eko Hot Blog reports that the the protest took place at the Assembly complex on Tuesday, where teachers expressed concern over the growing wave of insecurity targeting schools across the country.

EDITOR’S PICK

Addressing the demonstrators, Obasa said the Assembly shared in the pain and concerns of teachers, assuring them that lawmakers would continue to support measures aimed at improving security and protecting lives.

“We feel the pains of our teachers and we sympathise with them. We are indeed in this together and we will not fold our arms. We are all stakeholders in this situation and must collectively seek solutions that will bring lasting peace and security to our schools and communities,” he said.

The protest was led by Lagos NUT Chairman, Comrade Hassan Akintoye, who condemned the increasing attacks on schools and educational institutions.

Akintoye referenced past incidents such as the Chibok and Dapchi school abductions, warning that the recent kidnapping of students and teachers in Oyo State, as well as the reported killing of a teacher, has heightened fears among educators nationwide.

Oyo School Kidnap: Obasa Assures Teachers of Legislative Support for State Police

According to him, schools should remain safe environments for learning and not become targets for criminal activities.

“Schools must remain centres of learning and not theatres of violence and criminality,” he stated.

Responding to the concerns raised by the teachers, Obasa noted that the Lagos Assembly has consistently advocated for the creation of state police, describing it as a critical step towards addressing security challenges at the grassroots level.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting discussions around state policing, expressing optimism that the initiative would strengthen efforts to combat insecurity across the country.

The Speaker further cautioned against the spread of false and unverified information on social media, warning that misinformation could worsen public anxiety and undermine security efforts.

Obasa called for greater collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, parents, civil society groups and other stakeholders to ensure schools remain safe for students and teachers.