PFN condemns killing of abducted Oyo teacher, demands immediate rescue of pupils, staff

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AKINWALE ABOLUWADE

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly condemned the abduction of pupils and teachers as well as the gruesome killing of Mr Michael Oyedokun, a teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as a national disgrace and a direct attack on Nigeria’s future.

In a statement issued by its Media Bureau, the PFN, through its National President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, expressed disappointment with the Federal Government over what it described as the growing wave of insecurity and insurgency across the country despite repeated assurances of safety and security for citizens, particularly schoolchildren.

The fellowship said every fresh attack on innocent Nigerians exposed the failure of government’s security promises and underscored the urgent need for decisive action.

“Our foremost concern remains the safety of the pupils, teachers and staff of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle in Oyo State,” the statement read.

The PFN said it watched with horror the video allegedly released by the kidnappers showing Oyedokun, whom it described as a devoted educator, being held captive and subsequently killed.

“Our hearts are bleeding. This is not merely a heinous crime; it is a sacrilege against the sanctity of life, an assault on the teaching vocation and a direct attack on the future of our nation,” the fellowship stated.

It extended condolences to the family of the slain teacher, the school community and residents of Oriire Local Government Area, praying for divine comfort in their moment of grief.

Bishop Oke described the incident as “a national disgrace of the highest order,” lamenting that armed gangs could invade schools, kill victims and abduct pupils and teachers with apparent impunity.

“When armed gangs storm rural schools, kill those who resist, and carry away pupils and educators with impunity, the social contract between the State and the citizen is shattered. We are past the time for promises; we are tired of promises. Actions that will sweep away insurgency are what we want,” he said.

The cleric noted that the spread of banditry and kidnapping from parts of northern Nigeria to other regions of the country had validated warnings previously raised by the PFN about the dangers of unchecked insecurity.

“The blood of Mr Oyedokun cries out for justice, not platitudes,” he said.
The PFN called on both the Federal and State Governments to abandon what it termed fragmented security responses and adopt a coordinated national strategy to protect schools and vulnerable communities.

“A threat to a child in Ahoro-Esinle is a threat to a child in Abeokuta, Enugu, Katsina and every community in Nigeria,” the statement said.

The fellowship demanded the immediate deployment of all available intelligence, personnel and technological resources to rescue the abducted pupils, teachers and school staff, insisting that half-measures were no longer acceptable.
It also called for the arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in planning, financing and executing the attack.

Among other recommendations, the PFN urged government to implement comprehensive school security measures, including perimeter fencing, improved surveillance systems and community-based intelligence networks. It also advocated psychosocial support, counselling services and educational assistance for affected pupils, teachers, parents and members of the community.

The Christian body further called for an emergency meeting of the National Security Council involving governors, security chiefs and civil society organisations to review and strengthen the nation’s security architecture, particularly regarding the protection of schools and rural communities.

Bishop Oke also urged Christians and Nigerians at large to engage in fervent prayers and resist fear, stressing that insecurity should not be accepted as a normal reality.

“One of the purposes of these satanic elements is to strike fear into the hearts of Nigerians. Please do not give in to fear. Do not grow weary. Do not accept the narrative that this is just the way things are. Silence is the kidnapper’s greatest weapon. Speak out, provide security operatives with useful information, support initiatives that protect children and hold leaders accountable,” he said.

The PFN reiterated its solidarity with the families of the abducted victims, the people of Ahoro-Esinle and all Nigerians seeking a safer nation.

“The blood of Michael Oyedokun is a stain on our national conscience. Let his death not be in vain. Let it be the catalyst for the decisive action that Nigeria has delayed too long in taking,” the statement added.