By Ikenna Osuoha
Chief Oliver Ityohegh, the International President of De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), a non-governmental organisation, has called for the rescue of the abducted schoolchildren in Oyo.
Ityohegh made the call in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday on the recent abduction of some school children and their teachers in Oyo.
He raised serious concern over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, particularly the persistent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in parts of the country.
Ityohegh described the recurring attacks on schools and educational institutions as a direct assault on Nigeria’s future, warning that no nation can attain sustainable development when its children live in fear.
He reiterated the calls for the safety of school children, condemned the act of denying children access to safe learning environments.
According to him, the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property as well as the welfare of its citizens, as clearly stipulated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The growing wave of insecurity must not be allowed to overshadow the aspirations and achievements of the current administration.
“The safety and security of Nigerian citizens, especially our children, must remain the highest priority of the government.’’
He said the alarming frequency of kidnappings and attacks on schools across various states is unacceptable and demands urgent, decisive and coordinated action from all relevant authorities.
The DNKI president expressed deep concern over the plights of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Kebbi, Kogi and Oyo states.
Ityohegh specifically condemned the reported abduction of about 45 schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo, describing the incident as tragic, heartbreaking and unacceptable.
He denounced the reported killing and beheading of one of the teachers by the abductors, describing the act as barbaric, inhumane and a gross violation of human dignity.
Ityohegh urged the Federal Government and security agencies to deploy all available intelligence, technology and operational resources toward securing the release of all abducted victims and ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are identified, apprehended and prosecuted.
He commended the Federal Government for the ongoing efforts aimed at reforming the nation’s security architecture and advancing discussions on the establishment of State Police.
He explained that the process appears to be progressing too slowly in the face of the urgent security challenges confronting the country.
Ityohegh, therefore, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct all stakeholders involved in the state police initiative to fast-track the legislative and administrative procedures necessary for its implementation.
“We commend the government’s commitment to the creation of state police as part of broader efforts to strengthen internal security.
“The president should direct all parties involved to expedite the process so that communities can benefit from a more responsive and localised policing system.”
According to him, delays in implementing critical security reforms continue to leave millions of Nigerians, particularly children, women and residents of rural communities, vulnerable to kidnappers, bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements.
Chief Ityohegh, further, called on President Tinubu to consider declaring a State of Emergency on Security to galvanize a coordinated national response involving all tiers of government.
He questioned the apparent inability of security agencies to apprehend notorious kidnappers in spite of instances where videos of abducted victims and evidence of their activities have surfaced publicly.
“It is deeply troubling that many of these criminal elements continue to operate with seeming impunity.
“Nigerians are asking legitimate questions: Why is it so difficult to track and apprehend these abductors even when videos and other evidence emerge in the public domain?
“How much longer must citizens live in fear before their safety is fully guaranteed?”
The DNKI president maintained that Nigerians deserved not only answers but visible and measurable results in the fight against insecurity.
He also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, religious institutions, civil society organisations and citizens to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of preventing criminal activities and aiding investigations.
Ityohegh reaffirmed DNKI’s commitment to promoting peace, justice, national unity and the protection of human dignity, while expressing solidarity with families whose loved ones remain in captivity.
He emphasised that securing Nigerian children is not merely a security obligation but a moral responsibility that will determine the future stability, prosperity and unity of the nation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Francis Onyeukwu
