Ohanaeze demands swift rescue of Oyo school kidnap victims

The Oyo State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on Saturday demanded immediate rescue of teachers and children kidnapped by terrorists in Oyo State School last week.

The regional body, while condemning the abduction of the students in Oriire Local Government Area of the State, also described the attack as a tragic assault on humanity, education, and peaceful coexistence.

President and Secretary of the chapter, Okechukwu Nwabunike and Promise Aja respectively, in a statement jointly signed, expressed deep sorrow over what they described as “horrifying incident”.

Daily Trust reports that over 40 children and more than five teachers were abducted by gun-wielding terrorists at Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities during the incident of Oyo.

Reacting to the continued stay of the abductees in the bush, the organization said it is a heartbreaking and barbaric act carried out against innocent children and educators pursuing knowledge and national development.

They, however, sympathized with the affected families, school communities, and residents of Oyo State while calling on the Federal Government and the State government to ensure swift rescue.

“We stand in solidarity with the families of the victims and the people of Oyo State at this difficult time,” the statement noted, stressing that the entire Ohanaeze structure remains deeply disturbed by the criminal attack.

Ohanaeze also condemned the reported killing of ichael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher whose death was confirmed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde following the circulation of a disturbing video online.

The pan Igbo group described the murder as the height of cruelty and a grim reflection of the ruthless nature of the abductors.

Nwabunike stated that the mass kidnapping represents a direct attack on peace, education, and societal stability, while calling on Nigerians to seek divine intervention and pray for the safe return of those still in captivity.

Ohanaeze also called on Igbo communities across the South-West region to support their host communities during the difficult period through prayers, solidarity, and humanitarian assistance for affected families.

The organization urged the police, military, and other security agencies to deploy every available resource toward rescuing the abductees and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“We continue to pray for the safe return of these abductees and for the exposure and defeat of those behind this evil act,” the statement noted.

المصدر: Daily Trust (NG)