The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called for swift security action and a united national effort against kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.
The royal father, who condemned the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, described the abduction of students and teachers from schools within the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso as heartbreaking, disturbing and unacceptable
He disclosed this in a statement on Monday signed by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare.
He noted that innocent pupils, teachers and residents were subjected to terror following the invasion of the communities by armed gunmen.
“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,” the statement read partly.
Ooni 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, reportedly killed in captivity.
He said, “Attacks on schools and educational communities represent a direct assault on the future of the country,” stressing that “children and teachers must never become victims of criminal activities.”
He subsequently 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.”
Appealing to Nigerians to support security agencies with credible information, vigilance and community cooperation, the monarch charged Nigerians to unite and fight against kidnapping.
