- CAN said it was unacceptable that children could no longer learn in classrooms without fear of violence or abduction
- The Christian body said the attacks highlighted the worsening security situation in the country
- CAN further lamented the repeated incidents of insecurity across the country
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the abduction of pupils, teachers and school officials during coordinated attacks on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the association described the incident as a “national disgrace,” warning that organised criminal activities were spreading into the South-West.
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In a statement issued on Monday by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN expressed outrage over reports that armed assailants invaded several schools, attacked communities, killed residents and abducted dozens of children and school personnel.
The Christian body said the attacks highlighted the worsening security situation in the country and raised concerns about the safety of schools.
According to the statement, the invasion of educational institutions by armed groups in broad daylight reflected a disturbing decline in security and posed a direct threat to the nation’s conscience.
CAN said it was unacceptable that children could no longer learn in classrooms without fear of violence or abduction.
The association also mourned those killed during the attack, including an assistant headmaster who was reportedly trying to shield pupils from the attackers.
It said the victims’ sacrifices should not be forgotten and called for the arrest and prosecution of everyone involved in the attack.
CAN further lamented the repeated incidents of insecurity across the country, noting growing public frustration over recurring attacks and what it described as insufficient action against criminal networks.
The association warned that insecurity, once largely associated with some northern states, was increasingly spreading into the South-West and other regions, posing threats to national stability and public confidence.
It called on the Federal Government, security agencies and the Oyo State Government to immediately intensify efforts to rescue those abducted and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The group urged authorities to deploy all necessary security and intelligence resources to secure the victims’ release and dismantle criminal networks operating in affected areas.
CAN also advocated stronger security measures around schools, rural settlements, forest routes and suspected criminal hideouts.
The association expressed solidarity with affected families, churches and residents of Oriire Local Government Area, while praying for the safe return of all abducted victims.
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