Action Alliance presidential candidate calls for action on school abductions

The presidential candidate of the Action Alliance, Adekunle Omoaje, has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to do more to free 96 pupils and teachers taken in separate attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states.

Omoaje described these attacks as a national emergency. He warned that the ongoing targeting of schools by kidnappers and insurgents is a serious threat to education and national security.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Kaduna, Omoaje expressed worry over the abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. He also mentioned the kidnapping of 50 pupils from Mussa Central Primary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to The PUNCH, the Oyo abduction happened when armed men stormed Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, which serve Esinele and Yawota communities, during school hours and took away the victims.

In Borno State, the attackers reportedly invaded Mussa Central Primary School and kidnapped 50 children from their classrooms. This has raised fears among residents in the area already troubled by insurgency.

Omoaje reacted to these incidents by calling for urgent and coordinated efforts to rescue the victims. "These abductions constitute a national emergency that demands urgent and coordinated action. The safe return of these innocent children and their teachers must be treated as a top priority by the government and security agencies," he said.

He also mentioned that the attacks show how bad insecurity is in parts of the country and how vulnerable schools are, especially in rural areas and conflict zones. "The continued targeting of schools threatens not only the safety of our children but also the future of education in Nigeria. Without decisive action, more schools may become easy targets for kidnappers and insurgent groups," he added.

Omoaje also suggested that traditional institutions should be more involved in the fight against insecurity. He believes traditional rulers have local knowledge that can help improve intelligence gathering and community security measures. "Traditional institutions are closest to the people. If properly empowered through constitutional provisions, they can support security agencies through intelligence gathering, conflict resolution and community mobilization," he said.

The presidential candidate praised President Bola Tinubu for reportedly ordering the deployment of 1,000 Forest Guards and special forces to aid rescue operations and boost security in affected areas. He noted that this initiative would help reclaim forests and ungoverned areas often used as hideouts by kidnappers and criminals.

While applauding the teamwork among security agencies, local vigilantes, hunters, and community leaders, Omoaje emphasized that the safety of the victims must be the main goal of ongoing operations. "The overriding objective should be to rescue these children and their teachers alive and unharmed. Every effort must be directed towards achieving that goal," he said.

He also called for a faster implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative to enhance security around schools through better surveillance systems, protective infrastructure, and quick-response plans. Omoaje urged the Federal Government and state authorities to provide psychosocial support for families affected by the abductions. He noted that the trauma from such events could have long-lasting effects.

School abductions have become a major security issue in Nigeria in recent years. Many students have been kidnapped from schools across the country, especially in the North-East and North-West, forcing numerous schools to close temporarily and disrupting learning.

The rise in attacks on educational institutions has raised concerns among parents, education stakeholders, and development partners, despite various government efforts, including the Safe Schools Initiative meant to protect students, teachers, and school buildings from violent attacks.

Security experts have warned that ongoing attacks on schools could increase the number of out-of-school children and hinder efforts to improve access to education, especially in rural communities already facing poverty and insecurity. "As Nigerians await the safe return of these children, it is crucial to build a security framework that combines federal capabilities with empowered grassroots institutions. Only a coordinated approach can end the recurring tragedy of school kidnappings in our country," Omoaje added.