Expedite action on release of kidnap victims, NBA tells FG, Oyo govt

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, has called on both the Federal and Oyo State governments to expedite action on the release of the kidnapped victims in Oriire Local Government Area.

The association also stressed the need for the government to take proactive measures regarding the influx of people into the 33 local government areas of the state.

In a statement by its Chairman, Ibrahim Lawal, the NBA decried the prolonged captivity of the victims.

Condemning the act, the NBA expressed concern over the trauma and suffering the victims have endured over the past 10 days.

The statement read:

“It is heart-wrenching to rehash the gory details of the tragedy that befell teachers and their pupils at the hands of these marauders. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.

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“The NBA would like to register its deep displeasure at the seeming tardiness associated with the government’s rescue mission since this unfortunate incident occurred over 10 days ago.

“It is reasonable to expect that this latest assault on civility will be confronted head-on. The deafening silence surrounding efforts aimed at liberating the captives does not inspire hope.

“We shudder to imagine the horrible experiences to which the victims are being subjected at the moment.

“While it may be strategic to shield specific details of the tactics being adopted to bring this unfortunate incident to an end from public scrutiny, the government’s characteristic silence has been disquieting.

“This barbarism must not be allowed to gain a foothold in what was once a peaceful environment. We must not allow this latest incident to be added to the consistently growing list of unresolved crimes perpetrated against the hapless people of this country. The perpetrators of this attack and their sponsors must be unmasked.

“The government at all levels must act decisively to confront this menace. The state must rise above its characteristic but ineffective reactions to grave acts of barbarism that assault our sensibilities.

“This is not the time for government officials to offer bland platitudes as reassurance. The good people of Oyo State anticipate a satisfactory resolution to the current disruption of peace. They expect the victims to return home soon.

“It is also pertinent to admonish the Oyo State Government to urgently take proactive steps to protect lives and property.

“The people will find self-help irresistible if criminals are allowed to move freely into their communities to perpetrate evil. The ease with which criminals attack communities and evade justice should be a source of great concern to us all.

“This is not the time to allow partisan politics to encourage complacency, compromise, or subterfuge.

“The Oyo State Government should take a keen interest in the ceaseless influx of people into the state. The operations of commercial motorcyclists (okada riders) must be regulated vigorously. Government officials must look beyond revenue generation.

“A suspension of their operations for a stipulated period to ascertain the identities of the operators should be considered.

“The constant influx of young people with no traceable links to residents of the state must be curbed if we are to avert a looming danger. Forest reserves must be thoroughly combed to flush out all undesirable elements.

“We call on both the Federal and Oyo State governments to expedite action to ensure the safe return of the victims.”