The Christian Association of Nigeria has strongly condemned the abduction of schoolchildren, teachers, and school officials following coordinated attacks on schools in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The association warned that the escalating wave of kidnappings and assaults on educational institutions is widening insecurity into areas previously regarded as relatively safe across the country.
In a statement issued by its President, Daniel Okoh, CAN expressed concern that the brazen daylight invasions of multiple schools demonstrate how rapidly armed criminal activity is spreading beyond traditional hotspots, leaving pupils, teachers, and rural communities increasingly exposed.
CAN described the attacks as deeply disturbing, noting that heavily armed assailants stormed several schools, killed innocent persons, and abducted students and staff in what it called a coordinated and brazen assault.
The association further condemned the reported killing of an assistant headmaster who was said to have attempted to protect pupils during the attack, alongside other victims who lost their lives in the violence. It said their sacrifice must be honoured and demanded that those responsible be identified, arrested, and prosecuted without delay.
According to CAN, Nigerians are increasingly frustrated by what it described as “condolences without consequences and promises without protection,” as kidnappings and violent attacks continue to spread into new regions. It warned that what was once largely confined to northern parts of the country is now extending into the South-West and other regions, posing a serious threat to national stability and public confidence.
The association said the disturbing reports and images from the attacks, including distress calls from teachers and desperate appeals from parents, reflect a national tragedy that should not be normalised.
“No parent should ever have to watch helplessly as their child is dragged into the forest by gunmen. No teacher should have to choose between educating children and risking abduction or death,” the statement said.
CAN urged the Federal Government, security agencies, and the Oyo State Government to move beyond routine statements and take urgent, decisive action to secure the unconditional release of abducted victims and bring perpetrators to justice.
It also called for stronger implementation of safe school initiatives, stressing that rural communities, forest corridors, and known criminal hideouts must be properly secured, monitored, and reclaimed without delay.
The association expressed solidarity with affected families, churches, school communities, and residents of Oriire Local Government Area, as well praying for the safe return of the abducted victims and comfort for those mourning losses from the attack.
Elijah Adeyemi
No comments:
Post a Comment