The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has condemned the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, calling for swift security action to apprehend the kidnappers.
This is contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Mr Moses Olafare, on Monday, in Ile-Ife.
Oba Ogunwusi described the abduction of students and teachers from schools within the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso as disturbing, heartbreaking and unacceptable.
He decried the invasion of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School by gunmen, who subjected pupils, teachers and residents to terror.
The Ooni expressed sadness over the loss of lives recorded during the incident, including an Assistant Headmaster, Mr Joel Adesiyan, a commercial motorcyclist and one of the abducted teachers, Mr Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed in captivity.
According to him, attacks on schools and educational communities amount to a direct assault on the future of the nation, stressing that children and teachers must never become victims of criminal activities.
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He, therefore, urged security agencies to intensify rescue operations for victims still in captivity and bring perpetrators of the attack to justice.
The traditional ruler also called on governments at all levels to strengthen security architecture around schools and vulnerable rural communities to prevent future occurrences.
The oba further appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies with credible information, noting that the fight against kidnapping requires collective responsibility and national unity.
He also 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.
The Ooni prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and asked God to comfort bereaved families as well as grant freedom to all abducted victims still in captivity.
(NAN)
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