ENUGU – Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called for the immediate rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, describing the incident as a direct assault on the nation’s future.
The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, issued the demand on Sunday in Enugu, noting that the killing of teachers during and after the attack had further heightened the gravity of the tragedy.
Ohanaeze said it received with profound shock the abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers by armed criminals.
In a statement, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, unequivocally condemned what he called a barbaric and inhuman act.
“The sanctity of human life is sacred and must never be subjected to the cruelty of criminals,” Senator Mbata said.
He added: “The abduction of children from their schools is an attack on the hopes of families and the future of Nigeria. No society can make meaningful progress when its children live in fear and its schools become targets of violence.”
The President General stressed that the immediate rescue of the victims must be treated as a national priority.
Ohanaeze extended its heartfelt solidarity to the affected families, as well as to the government and people of Oyo State.
Senator Mbata called on the Federal Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to intensify efforts to ensure the safe release of all victims and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The protection of our children and educational institutions must remain a matter of urgent national concern,” he stated.