NAPTAN tasks Makinde, security agencies as abducted Oyo VP cries out from captivity

From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan

The National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has called on the state government and security agencies to ensure timely release of the abducted teachers and students.

NAPTAN, the umbrella body of parents of public and private school students in the country, also urged governments at all levels to beef up security in schools nationwide.

The National Publicity Secretary of the association, Dr Ademola Ekundayo, in a statement released yesterday, condemned the recent attacks on schools and called for urgent government intervention to end the ugly trend.

Ekundayo, who conveyed the association’s condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, urged the government to collaborate with security agencies to ensure the timely release of the kidnapped victims currently in the custody of their abductors.

He specifically called on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to intensify efforts at ensuring the security of pupils and students in public and private primary and secondary schools in the state, stressing that the current level of insecurity in the country requires urgent attention.

While condemning the attack on Community High School, Eseile, the NAPTAN spokesman recalled the recent attack on teachers and students of a government-owned school in Kebbi State and called on the Federal Ministry of Education to convene a stakeholders’ summit to address the situation.

He assured that parents were ready to join hands with the government to fight insecurity in schools, just as he called on state and federal governments to carry parents along in the war against insecurity in the country.

While calling on parents across the country to pray for the release of the kidnapped victims, Ekundayo also urged school managements to henceforth monitor activities of suspicious persons around their schools.

Meanwhile, fresh concerns have emerged following the release of a distress video by one of the victims.

In the video sighted yesterday, Mrs. Alamu, identified as the vice principal of the school, appealed to the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and secure their release.

Speaking from captivity, the visibly distressed school administrator said she and several students and staff members had remained with their abductors since the attack on Friday.

“I am Mrs Alamu. I am the principal of Community High School in Oriire Local Government of Oyo State. On Friday around 9:30, we were attacked by a certain group of people and a good number of us were abducted, the staff and the students as well, and we have been here since Friday,” she said.

She pleaded with authorities to ensure a peaceful resolution to prevent loss of lives.

“Today, I am making this video to ask for help from everyone, starting from the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Oyo State Government, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Christian Association of Nigeria and all well-meaning Nigerians, that they should come to our help and settle this thing peacefully so that our lives will not be lost,” she added.

The victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and Community Grammar School/L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area on Friday.

The Oyo State Police Command had earlier confirmed the incident, stating that armed hoodlums riding motorcycles invaded the schools and abducted pupils, students and staff members, including Mrs Alamu.

The command also confirmed the killing of an assistant headmaster identified as Mr Adesiyan during the attack, while an okada rider was reportedly shot dead after resisting attempts by the attackers to seize his motorcycle.

Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified rescue operations across the affected communities, with the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, leading tactical and intelligence operations aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending the perpetrators.

The Oyo State Government has since ordered the reopening of schools in Oriire and neighbouring local government areas following the deployment of additional security operatives to the area.

Meanwhile, the Child Protection Network Nigeria (CPNN), Oyo State chapter, has condemned Friday’s attack by terrorists on schools in the state as it celebrates the International Day of the Boy Child.

The association made the condemnation in a statement by its Coordinator, Dr Rosemary Odigbo, on Sunday in Ibadan.

Terrorists on motorbikes had attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School, all in Oriire LGA.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to raising boys who would become great and work against violence, abuse, social injustice, criminality and insecurity.

The group condemned the attack, which led to the killing of a teacher and the abduction of students, a principal, two vice principals and three teachers.

It described the incident as heartbreaking, saying it was a direct attack on the rights, safety, education and future of Nigerian children.

“Schools must remain safe spaces for learning and development, not centres of fear, violence and trauma,” the group said.

CPNN urged governments, security agencies, community leaders, parents and development partners to act swiftly to rescue the abducted persons.

It called for intensified efforts to protect children and strengthen school safety mechanisms.

“To every boy-child, CPNN in Oyo is saying you are created for purpose, leadership, peace and positive impact.

“You are not born for violence or destruction.

“You are born to shine and become a great light to your generation,” it said.