Baptist Convention raises fresh concerns over abduction of schoolchildren, teachers

By Oluseye Ojo

The Nigerian Baptist Convention has raised fresh concerns over growing threats to children’s safety, following the abduction of 46 persons, including a two-year-old toddler, from communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The Convention described the incident as a disturbing sign that children and schools are increasingly becoming soft targets for criminal elements.

According to verified accounts from church members, seven teachers and 39 students were abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School during the attack.

Among those kidnapped is a two-year-old Christianah Akanbi, a pupil of Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School. President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. (Dr.) Israel Akanji, who spoke in Ibadan, said the condition of children held in captivity under harsh weather conditions should worry every Nigerian.

He lamented that some teachers reportedly lost their lives during the attack, while those in captivity continue to endure severe hardship.

“The dimension of torturing innocent children in Nigeria is tantamount to insulting God, who has high regard for children,” he said.

Akanji warned that continued attacks on schools and communities show that insecurity is worsening despite repeated interventions.

He urged governments at all levels to move beyond rhetoric and implement practical security measures, including improved intelligence gathering, stronger local security structures and renewed consideration for state police.

The Baptist leader also called on communities, traditional rulers and civil society groups to take greater ownership of grassroots security.

The Convention prayed for the safe return of all captives and urged Nigerians to unite against what it described as a growing assault on vulnerable citizens.