Yorubaland Under Attack: YCE Condemns Mass Abduction of 45 Pupils and Teachers

The abduction of 45 pupils and teachers from three schools in Oyo State has sparked outrage and concern among the Yoruba community. The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) has condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on Nigeria's conscience and the future of the Southwest. They're calling for decisive action to prevent such incidents.

The YCE, in a statement by its Secretary General, Chief Oladipo Oyewole, challenged South West governors, leaders, and stakeholders not to allow the region to become the next frontier of mass abduction. Oyewole warned that children all over Yorubaland shouldn't be used as collateral damage. He emphasized that the region's security is a top priority.

The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), a pan Yoruba sociocultural organisation, condemns the coordinated abduction of over 45 pupils, students, and teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yaworan, Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L. A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, on Friday, 15th May, 2026. This abduction is a brazen attack on the community.

The YCE is calling for the immediate deployment of special forces, intelligence assets, and logistics to ensure the safe and unconditional release of all abducted victims. They're urging the Governors of the Southwest States to rise above partisan boundaries. The governors should deploy all available strategic resources and inter-state cooperation to secure lives and properties. This cooperation is crucial to preventing future abductions.

The incident has highlighted the need for strengthened community and regional security architecture in Yorubaland. The YCE has called for the provision of necessary materials for the Amọtẹkun, a regional security outfit. They're also urging the governors to engage with indigenous security groups and other well-meaning persons and organisations to protect the region. This collaborative approach will help to prevent insecurity.

The abduction of the pupils and teachers has sent shockwaves across the country, with many calling for urgent action to address the growing insecurity in the region. The YCE has stood with the families of the abducted students and sympathized with the family of the Mathematics teacher who was gruesomely murdered by bandits. They're offering support to those affected by the tragedy.

As the search for the abducted pupils and teachers continues, the YCE has urged the Governor of Oyo State to quickly establish a joint security task force for real-time intelligence sharing across the six states. This task force will help to prevent cross-border movement of criminals. They're also calling for the deployment of Armed School Protection Units in high-risk Local Government Areas, especially those areas bordering forest spaces. This deployment will help to secure the schools.

The YCE's call to action has been welcomed by many, who see it as a necessary step to address the growing insecurity in the region. With the fate of the abducted pupils and teachers hanging in the balance, the YCE's condemnation of the attack and call for immediate action has resonated with many Nigerians. They're eager to see a resolution to the crisis.

As the situation continues to unfold, the YCE's condemnation of the attack and call for immediate action has struck a chord with many Nigerians. The group's commitment to the safety and security of the Yoruba people is unwavering. They're committed to finding a solution to the crisis. The YCE's call to action has resonated with many who are eager to see an end to the growing insecurity in the region. They won't back down until the region is secure.