Archbishop Urges Government Action Following Deadly Oyo School Attack

Oyo School Abduction Sparks Outrage as Archbishop Demands Stronger Security Measures

The Archbishop of Ibadan Province and Bishop of Ibadan North Anglican Diocese, Most Rev. Williams Aladekugbe, has strongly condemned the recent abduction of staff and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the attack as barbaric and unacceptable.

In a statement released following the tragic incident, the cleric called on the government to strengthen security efforts by ensuring proper profiling of foreigners residing within the state. According to him, individuals with questionable intentions should either be sent back to their states of origin or prosecuted according to the law.

The attack occurred on Friday when armed gunmen stormed several schools, including Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; LA School Esinele; and Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele. During the invasion, an assistant head teacher and a commercial motorcyclist lost their lives, while several pupils and staff members were abducted.

Reacting to the development, Archbishop Aladekugbe described the killings as “ungodly, immoral, and criminal,” stressing that the abduction of innocent children and teachers can never be justified under any circumstance.

“The news of the abduction of the staff and pupils of some schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and some citizens in CRIN came to us as a rude shock,” he said.

He added that the Anglican community joined millions of Nigerians in condemning what he called a “despicable act,” noting that the incident reflects the worsening insecurity across the country.

The Archbishop also expressed sympathy to Governor Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Government, and residents affected by the attack. He urged security agencies and all levels of government to work together to secure the immediate release of the kidnapped victims.

Referencing discussions from the recently concluded Synod, Aladekugbe emphasized the need for improved monitoring and profiling of individuals entering the state as part of broader security reforms.

Beyond security concerns, the cleric warned politicians and religious leaders against politicising the tragedy or introducing religious sentiments into governance.

“We stand with Governor Makinde and condemn the politics people bring into the incident, as well as every form of religious coloration in governance,” he stated.

According to him, insecurity affects everyone regardless of political affiliation, and exploiting such tragedies for political gain only deepens divisions within society.

He further praised Governor Makinde’s administration for what he described as years of people-oriented governance while urging both federal and state governments to invest more resources in security and intelligence gathering.

The Archbishop concluded with prayers for the safe return of the abducted victims and comfort for the families of those killed, expressing hope for lasting peace and improved security across Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.