The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has condemned the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, calling for swift security action and a united national effort against kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.
In a statement on Monday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni, who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) described the abduction of students and teachers from schools within the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso as heartbreaking, disturbing and unacceptable.
The Ooni Ogunwusi lamented that innocent pupils, teachers and residents were subjected to terror following the invasion of the communities by armed gunmen who reportedly attacked Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
Ooni Ogunwusi expressed sadness over the loss of lives recorded during the incident, including that of Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan, a commercial motorcyclist and one of the abducted teachers, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed in captivity.
According to the Ooni, attacks on schools and educational communities represent a direct assault on the future of the nation, stressing that children and teachers must never become victims of criminal activities.
The Ooni therefore called on security agencies to intensify rescue operations to ensure the safe return of all victims still in captivity while bringing the perpetrators of the attack to justice.
He also urged governments at all levels to strengthen security architecture in vulnerable communities, particularly around schools and rural settlements, in order to prevent future occurrences.
The Ooni further appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies with credible information, vigilance and community cooperation, noting that the fight against kidnapping requires collective responsibility and national unity.
Ooni Ogunwusi equally sympathised with families of security operatives, Amotekun Corps members and local vigilantes who reportedly lost their lives during rescue efforts, describing their sacrifices as patriotic and heroic.
While praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, the Ooni asked Olodumare to comfort bereaved families and grant quick freedom to all abducted victims still in captivity.