Oyo Abduction Exposes Security Failure In Nigeria — African Youth Group

The West African Youth Protection and Advocacy Network (WAYPAN) has condemned the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the Oriire area of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, describing the incident as a glaring exposure of Nigeria’s worsening security failure.

The group said the attack represented a painful reminder of the growing vulnerability of schools and rural communities, warning that the country was gradually sliding into a deeper insecurity crisis if urgent steps are not taken.

In a statement issued yesterday and signed by its programme officer, Rafiu Adeniran Lawal, WAYPAN said the incident was not just a criminal act but a direct assault on the right of children to education in a safe environment.

This heinous act represents a direct assault on the rights of young Nigerians to live in peace and access education in a safe and secure environment,” the group stated.

It called on the federal government, security agencies and the Oyo State government to move swiftly and in a coordinated manner to secure the immediate release of all the victims.

WAYPAN also demanded the arrest and prosecution of those behind the attack, insisting that justice must be served to deter future occurrences.

The organisation expressed deep concern over what it described as the “alarming normalisation” of kidnapping across the country, noting that the menace had expanded beyond the northern region into southern states.

It lamented that Nigeria now gives the impression of a nation under siege, while authorities appear overstretched and unable to guarantee adequate protection for citizens.