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By Angela Atabo
The West African Youth Protection and Advocacy Network (WAYPAN) has condemned the recent abduction of school children and teachers in the Oriire area of Ogbomosho and called for urgent security reforms.
The Programme Coordinator of WAYPAN, Rafiu Lawal, told newsmen in Abuja that the Oyo tragic incident reportedly claimed the lives of three persons, including a gatekeeper, a motorcycle rider, and one of the abducted teachers who was brutally murdered while in captivity.
“WAYPAN strongly condemns this cowardly and reprehensible attack on innocent Nigerians, particularly school children whose only aspiration is to learn and build a better future.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and stand in solidarity with the families of the abducted children and teachers during this painful period.
“This heinous act represents a direct assault on the rights of young Nigerians to live in peace and access education in a safe and secure environment.”
Lawal, therefore, called on security agencies, the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to take immediate and coordinated action to secure the safe rescue of all abducted victims.
He further demanded that the perpetrators of the crime be apprehended and prosecuted to ensure justice for the victims and serve as a deterrent to criminal elements across the country.
“WAYPAN is deeply disturbed by the worsening state of insecurity, particularly the alarming spread of kidnapping and abduction from northern Nigeria to southern regions of the country,” he said.
Lawal explained that recent reports by credible local and international organisations painted a grim picture of the crisis.
He quoted the Amnesty International report stating that at least 1,100 people were abducted across northern Nigeria between January and March alone.
Similarly, he said that fresh attacks on schools in Borno and Oyo States in May reportedly left more than 80 children abducted within one week.
The programme coordinator said this further highlighted the continued targeting of educational institutions and the growing insecurity facing Nigerian children.
Lawal maintained that governments at all levels must demonstrate the same degree of urgency, political will, and resource mobilisation toward public security as they do toward political activities.
This, he said, would reduce significantly the security challenges in the country.
He urged governments to procure critical security infrastructure such as surveillance cameras, drones, operational vehicles, communication gadgets, and advanced intelligence systems.
He also stressed the need to strengthen the technological and operational capacity of security personnel.
“Nigeria urgently requires a new security paradigm rooted in intelligence-led policing, accountability, technology-driven security operations, community engagement, and people-centred governance.”
Lawal said the heartbreaking incident should serve as a wake-up call for decisive and meaningful reforms.
He, therefore, called on governments at all levels to address the underlying socioeconomic drivers of insecurity by improving the economy and creating decent employment opportunities.
He also called for the need to guarantee livable incomes for Nigerians, especially young people.
He noted that building a peaceful and secure society also required justice, fairness, and a system where ordinary citizens were not sacrificed for the interests of the rich and powerful.
“We express our deepest condolences to the victims and their families and reaffirm our solidarity with all Nigerians affected by insecurity.”
WAYPAN is a regional youth-led platform committed to the protection, promotion, and advancement of the rights, security, and democratic participation of young people across West Africa.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi
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