AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) has expressed grief over the demolition of Ajegunle Baptist High School, Ibadan, describing the act as a monumental loss to education and the Baptist community.
The demolition, which occurred between September 3 and 10, 2025, has drawn widespread outrage, with many stakeholders calling it a deliberate act of vandalism.
Reverend Dr. Israel Akanji, President of the NBC, on Wednesday led a delegation of principal officers of the Convention to the site to assess the damage and sympathize with the affected community.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Akanji lamented the destruction, noting that Ajegunle Baptist High School was not just a physical structure but a legacy of sacrifice, excellence, and hope for generations of students.
“This is a grievous loss, not only to the Baptist family but also to the educational sector in Nigeria,” Akanji said, while urging stakeholders to remain calm as investigations continue.
The authorities have since remanded three suspects in connection with the demolition at Agodi Prison, while others linked to the incident remain at large.
The Nigerian Police Force is currently investigating the matter. Dr. Akanji expressed confidence that the authorities would ensure justice is served.
The NBC has appealed to its members and the general public to allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties, while assuring that the Convention would continue to stand by the affected community, stakeholders, and former students of the institution.
The visit was also attended by Rev. Eben Durodola, the Public Relations Officer of the Baptist Convention, along with other top officials who joined in offering words of comfort and solidarity.
The NBC called for calm and urged members of the public to allow the law enforcement agencies to complete their investigation into the matter.
Dr. Akanji was accompanied by principal officers of the Convention who joined him in sympathizing with the local stakeholders and the former students at the school.
Arrest of the suspects were effected by members of the Ajegunle Baptist Church through the Police who fished out those behind the incident.
