ENUGU, NIGERIA — The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called for the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their safe return and bring those responsible to justice.
In a statement issued by its leadership, the organisation expressed deep concern over the growing wave of insecurity affecting educational institutions and communities across the country. It described the abduction of innocent pupils and their teachers as a disturbing development that threatens the safety of children and undermines confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
Ohanaeze said the continued targeting of schools by criminal groups poses a serious risk to the future of education in Nigeria, warning that parents may become increasingly reluctant to send their children to school if adequate protection is not guaranteed.
The group urged the Federal Government and security agencies to deploy all available resources toward locating the victims and ensuring their safe release without delay. It stressed that the protection of children and educators should remain a national priority.
According to the organisation, the incident highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures around schools, particularly in vulnerable communities where criminal activities have become more frequent. It called for improved intelligence gathering, enhanced surveillance, and closer collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
Ohanaeze also appealed to state governments across the federation to strengthen security arrangements around educational facilities, noting that schools should remain safe spaces for learning and development rather than targets for criminal attacks.
The organisation further expressed solidarity with the affected families, teachers, and community members, assuring them that Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and regional lines share their pain and anxiety during this difficult period.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that persistent attacks on schools could have long-term consequences for educational development, especially in rural areas where access to quality education is already limited.
Ohanaeze therefore called for a comprehensive national strategy to address kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes, arguing that sustainable security can only be achieved through coordinated efforts involving government institutions, security agencies, community leaders, and citizens.
The group maintained that Nigeria possesses the capacity to overcome its security challenges if decisive action is taken against criminal networks and if adequate support is provided to law enforcement agencies.
As efforts to rescue the abducted victims continue, Ohanaeze reiterated its demand for urgent action, expressing hope that the schoolchildren and teachers would be reunited with their families safely and unharmed.
