Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has condemned the abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers in Oyo State, describing the incident as a brutal attack on education and the future of the nation. The group has called for the immediate rescue of the victims and swift action against the perpetrators.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called for the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by armed criminals in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, urging security agencies to treat the incident as a matter of national urgency.
The demand was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Enugu by the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Ezechi Chukwu.
According to the statement, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation expressed deep concern over the reported abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the incident as a grave threat to education and national development.
The organisation also noted reports of teachers being killed during and after the attack, a development it said had further heightened the severity of the tragedy.
Reacting to the incident, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Azuta Mbata, strongly condemned the abduction and described it as a barbaric act against innocent children and educators.
“The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation unequivocally condemns this barbaric and inhuman act, which represents a direct assault on innocent children, education and the collective future of our nation,” Mbata stated.
He stressed that the sanctity of human life must be protected and should never be subjected to the brutality of criminal elements.
According to him, the kidnapping of children from educational institutions is not only an attack on families but also a direct assault on the nation’s future and aspirations.
“No society can make meaningful progress when its children live in fear and its schools become targets of violence,” he said.
Mbata called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify ongoing efforts to secure the immediate and safe release of all the victims while ensuring that those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted.
He further urged authorities to strengthen security around schools and educational facilities across the country to prevent similar incidents.
Ohanaeze also expressed solidarity with the affected families as well as the government and people of Oyo State, assuring them of its support during the difficult period.
The organisation reiterated that the protection of children and educational institutions must remain a top national priority, warning that continued attacks on schools pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s educational system and long-term development.
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