The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) has condemned the reported abduction of a school principal and several students by suspected armed bandits in Esinle community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as a tragic attack on education and the future of Yorubaland.
In a statement issued by its President, Aare Alawode Rahmon, the group expressed outrage over the invasion of the school, during which teachers were reportedly attacked, leaving some dead and others injured.
According to the Council, what began as a normal school day turned into chaos when armed men stormed the school premises, abducted the principal alongside some students, and opened fire on teachers in the process.
The incident has reportedly thrown the Ogbomoso area into fear, with parents and residents expressing concern over the worsening security situation in parts of Oyo State.
The YYC described the attack as “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” while mourning the teachers said to have lost their lives during the assault.
“We mourn the heroic teachers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. We also pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and the safe return of the abducted principal and students,” the statement read.
The Council called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to urgently intervene and ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
It also appealed to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Aare Rahmon stressed that schools must remain safe spaces for learning and development, warning that continued attacks on educational institutions pose a grave threat to societal progress.
“This disturbing attack is a reminder that insecurity remains a serious threat to our people. We call for stronger security architecture, enhanced intelligence gathering, and coordinated efforts to flush terrorists and criminal elements out of Yorubaland and Nigeria at large,” he stated.
The YYC reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the protection of lives and the safety of students, teachers, and communities across the South-West.
“Yorubaland deserves peace. Our children deserve safety. Education must never be interrupted by fear,” the statement concluded.