YCE hails rescue of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers, seeks tighter school security across South West

By Oluseye Ojo

The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) has welcomed the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and their Teachers in Oyo State, describing their safe return as a huge relief for the Yoruba nation after spending 56 days in Kidnappers’ den.

It also called on governments across the South West to strengthen security around schools to prevent a recurrence of such attacks.

Council said the successful rescue of the victims, who were abducted on Friday May 15 and rescued on Friday July 10, should not breed complacency, and warned that the incident has exposed the vulnerability of schools, particularly those in rural and border communities, to criminal attacks.

In a statement issued yesterday by its Secretary-General, Chief Oladipo Oyewole, the YCE urged governments of the six South West states to urgently reinforce security around educational institutions through improved infrastructure, enhanced surveillance and closer collaboration with security agencies.

“While we celebrate this rescue, our rejoicing must not give way to complacency. The fact that our schools can still be breached by criminal elements is a sign that security architectures must be continuously fortified.”

Oyewole recommended the installation of perimeter fencing, deployment of trained security personnel and the establishment of direct communication links between Schools and Security Agencies, especially in vulnerable communities across the region.

The YCE also called for increased funding and technological empowerment of the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps), urging South West Governors to equip the outfit with drones and other advanced surveillance facilities to enhance security operations in forests and other difficult terrains.

Oyewole further advocated intelligence-driven community policing, urging traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to revive the culture of vigilance by promptly reporting suspicious movements and unfamiliar persons within and around their Communities.

The YCE described the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers as a victory for the collective resolve against criminality in Nigeria. Council also noted that the abduction of innocent children and educators was not only an attack on Oyo State but also a direct assault on the future of the Yoruba nation.

Oyewole commended President Bola  Tinubu for his swift intervention and directives to security agencies, saying the Federal Government’s uncompromising stance against banditry and kidnapping helped mobilise the intelligence and tactical operations that culminated in the successful rescue.

The YCE lauded Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for his calm disposition, steadfast leadership and effective coordination throughout the victims’ captivity.

Council equally lauded the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps), Local Hunters and Vigilantes Groups for their collaborative efforts, which it said averted what could have been a major tragedy.

The YCE expressed appreciation to the leadership of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, and the Medical Team at the Military Hospital, Odogbo Cantonment, for providing prompt medical treatment and psychological evaluation for the rescued pupils and teachers.

While praying for the victims’ speedy recovery, the YCE urged the Oyo State Government to provide sustained trauma counselling and rehabilitation after their discharge to enable them return to school and to normal life without fear.

The YCE, in reaffirming its support for the Federal Government, the Governments of the South-West states and Security Agencies in the fight against insecurity, declared that the Southwest area would never surrender any part of its ancestral land to terrorists, kidnappers or other criminal elements.