Oyo abductions unacceptable, South-West must act now — Accord

The Lagos State Chairman of the Accord Party, Mr Dele Oladeji, has urged South-West governors to intensify joint security operations against kidnappers.

He described the incidents as unfortunate and distressing.

“The abductions of the principal, teachers and students is a very unfortunate occurrence.

“The plea video of the abductees and the beheaded teacher is very distressing and sad.

“We sympathise with the families and communities of the deceased, as well as the abducted principal, teachers and students,” Oladeji said.

He said the South-West states must collectively confront the growing menace of abductions.

“We advise the governments of the South-West states to collectively work together to crush this wave of abductions.

“A failed abduction that results in the arrest of kidnappers and safe release of victims will send a strong deterrent message to criminal elements.”

Oladeji said coordinated regional security action would discourage future attacks.

“If the South-West states rise together to quell this menace, kidnappers will face the combined weight of the six states’ security framework,” he said.

He called for stronger collaboration among conventional and local security outfits.

“A synergy involving the military, police, DSS, Agbekoya, Amotekun Corps and forest guards will ensure smooth and successful operations,” he said.

“While the military and police handle tactical operations, hunters and forest guards can assist with indigenous knowledge of forests and terrain,” Oladeji added.

He urged security agencies to adopt sustained operational actions against kidnappers.

Oladeji said: “That counteraction must be carefully planned with a no-retreat strategic focus.

“Unlike the retreat of military personnel on Sunday after a gun duel, the next counteroffensive should involve encircling the forest.

“The operation should sustain pressure until the kidnappers are overpowered, even if it takes days,” Oladeji said.

He also called for massive deployment of personnel and equipment for future rescue operations.

NAN recalls that gunmen on motorcycles on Friday attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting students, teachers and school administrators in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities near Ogbomoso.

The affected schools are Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School, located within the same premises as the secondary school.

While several pupils, teachers and a school principal were abducted and held by the attackers in the forest, a teacher was reportedly beheaded in captivity.

Authorities have shut schools in the affected communities.