CAN Condemns Abduction Of School Children, Teachers In Oyo

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN has condemned in the strongestl term the abduction of schoolchildren, teachers and school officials during coordinated attacks on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

CAN President, Most Reverend Daniel Okoh said the invasion of schools by armed criminals in broad daylight, the murder of innocent citizens, and the forceful abduction of defenceless children represent a horrifying collapse of security and a direct assault on the conscience of our nation.

According to him, It is intolerable, disgraceful and utterly unacceptable that Nigerian children can no longer sit safely in classrooms without the fear of being kidnapped by armed gangs.

Most Reverend Daniel Okoh maintained that It was a national disgrace and a frightening reminder that organised criminal violence is spreading into parts of the country once considered relatively secure.

“We mourn the reported killing of the assistant headmaster who courageously tried to protect the children, as well as other innocent victims caught in this horrific attack. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten, and those responsible must be identified, apprehended and prosecuted without hesitation.”

“The sight of terrified teachers and helpless mothers pleading for mercy from inside captivity is a national humiliation that no responsible society should tolerate. No parent should ever have to watch helplessly as their children are dragged into the forest by gunmen. No teacher should have to choose between educating children and risking abduction or death.”

Mos Reverend Daniel Okoh stressed that Nigerians are exhausted by condolences without consequences and promises without protection.

According to the CAN President, the continued failure to decisively dismantle kidnapping networks and armed criminal groups is steadily normalising terror across the country.

He therefore called on the Federal Government, security agencies and the Oyo State Government to move beyond routine statements and demonstrate immediate, forceful and coordinated actiion saying every available security and intelligence resource must be deployed to secure the unconditional release of the abducted victims and bring the perpetrators and their collaborators to justice.

“Nigeria must never surrender its schools, its children or its future to armed criminals. Safe school initiatives must no longer exist only on paper while students and teachers remain exposed to terror. Rural communities, forest corridors and known criminal hideouts must be aggressively secured, monitored and reclaimed without delay.”

“CAN stands in solidarity with the affected families, churches, school communities and residents of Oriire Local Government Area during this painful period. We pray for the safe return of all abducted victims and for comfort, strength and healing for every family affected by this tragedy.”

Kayode Oyedare, Edited By Grace Namiji