The reported killing of one of the teachers abducted along with some students in schools in Ahoro-Esinele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has raised serious concerns among relatives of victims still being held captive. A video circulated on Monday where the victim, a male, was made to plea for quick intervention for their release by their captors before he was eventually killed. The victim's family and friends are devastated by the news, and they're calling for urgent action to rescue the remaining captives.
Sources in the community disclosed that 46 individuals were abducted during the raids, comprising seven teachers and 39 pupils and students. Those previously identified among the missing teachers included the principal of Community High School, Mrs Alamu Folawe; the vice principal, Mr Ojo Jonathan; Mr Olatunde Zacchaeus; Mr John Olaleye; Mr Michael Oyedokun; Mrs Oladeji; and Mary Akanbi of Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School. Villagers also alleged that the attackers made away with four motorcycles during the operation. They're still trying to come to terms with what happened, and they don't know what the future holds for the abducted victims.
The latest development came shortly after a distress video appeared online in which Mrs Alamu appealed to the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and compassionate Nigerians to help secure the freedom of the abducted victims without the use of force. She didn't specify what she meant by "without the use of force," but it's clear that she wants a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Oyo teachers have shut down classroom activities in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, and staged a peaceful protest to the TESCOM office in the town over the recent abduction of students and teachers, which resulted in the killing of one teacher. The teachers are demanding that the government takes immediate action to rescue the captives.
The protesters marched with placards bearing various inscriptions, calling on governments at all levels to intensify efforts toward securing the release of those currently being held captive by kidnappers. They're also demanding improved security around schools and safer learning environments for both staff and students. President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of the abducted teacher, describing it as barbaric, and promised that security operatives are working around the clock to rescue the victims and apprehend the bandits and their collaborators within the community. He's vowed to do everything in his power to prevent such incidents from happening again.
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), said: 'When children are hunted in classrooms, silence becomes complicity and delay becomes dangerous. Nigeria must act decisively to defeat these criminal networks before more innocent lives are destroyed.' He's calling on the government to take decisive action to address the root causes of the problem. President Tinubu also sympathised with Governor Seyi Makinde, the government, and the people of Oyo State for the unfortunate incident and assured them that the Federal Government would collaborate with the state government to rescue the victims. He's committed to finding a solution to the crisis.
The President, in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, was quoted as saying: 'I am saddened by the reported killing of one of the teachers kidnapped by the gunmen who invaded the community. I sympathise with Governor Seyi Makinde and commend the steps he has taken on the matter.' He's working closely with the state government to find a solution. Governor Makinde has declared that his administration won't surrender to terror following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. He's determined to find a way to rescue the victims and prevent similar incidents from happening again.
He stated that his government is prepared to listen to the demands of the abductors to secure the safe release of the victims. Makinde made the declaration while addressing reporters in Ibadan on the ongoing rescue efforts after gunmen attacked three schools and abducted pupils and teachers last Friday. He's doing everything he can to rescue the captives. The governor confirmed that seven students were abducted from Community Secondary School, while 18 children and seven teachers were kidnapped from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School, disclosing that one person was killed during the attack. He's devastated by the news and is calling for calm.
'Now we are able to confirm conclusively that at the Community Secondary School, about seven students were abducted, while at the First Baptist Primary and Nursery School, 18 children were abducted and about seven teachers were also involved. And unfortunately, like I reported yesterday, one of them was killed,' Makinde said. He's still trying to come to terms with what happened. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, and many are calling for improved security measures to be put in place to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the abduction of the schoolchildren and teachers, warning that the growing wave of kidnappings and attacks on schools is spreading insecurity into parts of the country once considered relatively safe. The association, in a statement by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said: 'This is not merely another security incident. It is a national disgrace and a frightening reminder that organised criminal violence is spreading into parts of the country once considered relatively secure.' CAN president said it was outraged that heavily armed attackers were able to storm several schools, terrorise residents, kill innocent people and abduct pupils and teachers in broad daylight. They're calling for urgent action to address the crisis.
The management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) has given the assurance that students and staff of the university have nothing to fear following the incident. Speaking in a chat with Vanguard, the spokesman, Mr Lekan Fadeyi, also conveyed the sympathy of the institution to the families and victims of the attacks and abduction. Fadeyi said: 'We want to assure the staff and students of our great institution that all is well and that there is no cause for alarm. We're doing everything we can to ensure their safety and security.' He's urging everyone to remain calm and to go about their daily activities without fear.
Former presidential candidate, Dr Gbenga Hashim, has condemned the abduction of schoolchildren in Borno State and the coordinated attacks on schools in Oyo State, warning that repeated attacks on learning institutions are pushing fear deeper into communities and putting the future of thousands of children at risk. Hashim, in a statement, described the incidents as a 'brutal assault' on Nigeria's future and called for an urgent national response to protect schoolchildren and reassure frightened families and communities. He's calling on the government to take immediate action to address the crisis.
Sooko Agoriesin of Ile-Ife, Oladotun Hassan, has described the incident as a disturbing tragedy that must never be allowed to continue in the country. In a statement, Hassan, who doubles as the Aare Yoruba Agbaye, lamented the growing insecurity confronting schools and rural communities, saying the attack on innocent pupils, teachers, and residents represents a direct threat to the future of education and national peace. He's calling on the government to take urgent action to address the crisis. He described the killings recorded during the incident, including that of an abducted teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan, and others, as barbaric, wicked, and unacceptable. He won't accept anything less than a thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
As the situation continues to unfold, it's clear that the Nigerian government faces a significant challenge in ensuring the safety and security of its citizens, particularly in the education sector. The recent attacks on schools in Oyo State and Borno State have highlighted the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing the root causes of insecurity and violence in the country. The government can't afford to wait any longer to take action. The federal and state governments must work together to develop and implement effective strategies for preventing and responding to security threats, including the deployment of security personnel, intelligence gathering, and community engagement. They're responsible for ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
The government must address the socio-economic factors that contribute to insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality. They can't ignore these issues any longer. The international community must also play a role in supporting Nigeria's efforts to address insecurity and promote peace and stability. This can include providing technical assistance, capacity building, and financial support to help the government develop and implement effective security strategies. They're willing to help, but the government must take the lead.
Ultimately, the safety and security of Nigerian citizens, particularly children and teachers, must be a top priority for the government and the international community. It's the only way to ensure that schools are safe and secure environments for learning and growth, and that the future of Nigeria's children is protected. They deserve nothing less. The government and the international community must work together to find a solution to the crisis. They won't give up until they've found a way to keep all citizens safe and secure.