Oyo kidnappings: Ohanaeze condemns attack, demands immediate action

The Oyo State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has demanded the immediate rescue of pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area last week, describing the attack as an assault on education and peaceful coexistence.

In a statement jointly signed by Chapter President Okechukwu Nwabunike and Secretary Promise Aja on Saturday, the group condemned the abduction of over 40 children and more than five teachers in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities.

They described this act as horrifying and barbaric, targeting innocent learners and educators.

The group expressed sympathy with the victims’ families, school communities, and residents of Oyo State, and called on both the federal and state governments to deploy all necessary resources to secure the hostages’ release.

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

Ohanaeze also condemned the killing of Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher whose death was confirmed by Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, after a disturbing video surfaced online.

The group in the statement further described the murder as “the height of cruelty” and evidence of the abductors’ ruthlessness.

Nwabunike said the mass kidnapping was a direct attack on peace, education, and societal stability. He urged Nigerians to seek divine intervention and pray for the safe return of those still in captivity.

The pan-Igbo organisation further called on Igbo communities across the South-West to support their host communities through prayers, solidarity, and humanitarian assistance for affected families.

Ohanaeze urged the police, military, and other security agencies to use every available resource to rescue the abductees and bring 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 added.