Follow Us on Google
…condemns abduction of schoolchildren, officials
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the recent abduction of schoolchildren, teachers and school officials in coordinated attacks on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement on Monday, 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 the nation.
He said: “It is intolerable, disgraceful and utterly unacceptable that Nigerian children could no longer sit safely in classrooms without fear of being kidnapped by armed gangs. Nigerians are exhausted by condolences without consequences, and promises without protection.
“The continued failure to decisively dismantle kidnapping networks and armed criminal groups is steadily normalising terror across the country. What was once concentrated in parts of northern Nigeria is now spreading dangerously into the South-West and other regions, threatening national stability, public confidence and the safety of future generations.”
The CAN President called on the Federal Government, security agencies and the Oyo State Government to move beyond routine statements and demonstrate immediate, forceful and coordinated action.
Other News
“CAN was outraged that heavily armed attackers could storm multiple schools, terrorise communities, kill innocent people and disappear with dozens of pupils and teachers.
“This is not merely another security incident. It is a national disgrace and a frightening reminder that organised criminal violence is spreading into parts of the country once considered relatively secure.
“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,” he said.
CAN maintained that it 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.
“Sadly, when children are hunted in their classrooms, silence becomes complicity and delay becomes dangerous. Nigeria must act decisively to defeat these criminal networks before more innocent lives are destroyed,” he added.
