Abduction of 46 in Oyo: NBC Demands Urgent Action on Insecurity in Nigeria

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AKINWALE ABOLUWADE

The Nigerian Baptist Convention has condemned the abduction of 46 persons, including a two-year-old toddler, during attacks on communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a press statement made available to Oyo Reporters on Thursday, the Convention described the incident as tragic, heartbreaking and unacceptable, calling on government and security agencies to take urgent and decisive action against insecurity in the country.

According to the statement signed by Rev. Ebenezer Durodola on behalf of the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr Israel Akanji, the abductees include seven teachers and 39 students from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

Among those kidnapped is two-year-old Christianah Akanbi of Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

The Convention disclosed that four motorcycles were also stolen during the attack, with three taken from residents of Yawota community and one from the High School.

Speaking in Ibadan, Rev. Akanji lamented the suffering of the abducted children and teachers, noting that they were being exposed to harsh weather conditions while held captive in the bush.

“The Nigerian Baptist Convention is particularly grieved by this occurrence, especially the condition of the children and the toddler who are being innocently held captive in the bush and exposed daily to rainfall and harsh weather without any shelter or cover,” he said.

He added that some teachers reportedly lost their lives during the attack, while those abducted are passing through “harrowing experiences and untold hardship.”

Rev. Akanji said the latest attack reflects a disturbing pattern of violence against churches and schools in Nigeria, recalling the July 5, 2021 abduction of 120 students and a matron from Bethel Baptist High School, Damishi, Kaduna State.

According to him, despite repeated appeals to government and security agencies, insecurity across the country continues to worsen.

“Nigerians, particularly the Church, are running out of patience and cannot continue to watch while lives and properties are being daily wasted,” he stated.

The Baptist Convention urged governments at all levels to work together to find lasting solutions to insecurity, insisting that security agencies must adopt modern, robust and coordinated strategies to tackle criminal elements.

The Convention also called on traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society groups to support efforts aimed at combating insecurity.

Rev. Akanji further renewed calls for the establishment of State Police, stressing that state security outfits should be properly armed and equipped to complement federal security agencies and local vigilante groups.

He also urged the Federal Government to seek international assistance where necessary to curb the influx of criminal elements into the country.

Describing Nigeria as “wounded, bleeding and dying,” the cleric warned against the continued brutalisation of innocent children, saying such acts attract divine wrath.

He commiserated with families who lost loved ones during the attack and prayed for the safe return of those abducted.

“We call on all Baptists and Nigerians of goodwill to intensify prayers for the quick and safe release of all captives and for lasting peace in our nation,” the statement added.

The Convention also assured the government of its support and cooperation in efforts aimed at rescuing the abducted teachers and students safely.