Abduction: CAN Declares Fasting, Prayer As MURIC Demands Action

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State chapter, has declared today, a day of prayer and fasting for the rescue of abducted principal, teachers and students from Oriire local government area of Oyo State.

Also, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State chapter, has condemned the gruesome killing of innocent citizens during the recent abduction at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle and demanded urgent action to secure their release.

CAN state’s chairman, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya, in a statement yesterday, said it was deeply saddened and disturbed by the attack last Friday, when armed assailants stormed Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities.

“We condemn this act in the strongest terms. Schools must remain safe spaces for learning, not hunting grounds for criminals.”

It directed all churches in the state to observe prayer and fasting on Wednesday, and for the fast to break at 6:00 p.m.

“Prayer points include the release of those abducted, divine protection for the state, and repentance for the perpetrators, citing 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Ephesians 6:10.

“We continue to pray for the safe return of these abductees and for the exposure and defeat of those behind this evil act,” the statement said.

MURIC confirmed that three persons have allegedly lost their lives so far in connection with the unfortunate incident.

The group’s secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, in a statement,t noted that one teacher and a commercial motorcyclist were reportedly killed during the process of the abduction, while another abducted teacher (name withheld) was later brutally beheaded in captivity by the terrorists.

“The horrifying video allegedly released by the abductors, showing the gruesome execution of the teacher, has further exposed the frightening level of brutality now being unleashed on innocent Nigerians by criminal elements.

“MURIC strongly condemns the abduction and execution. It is callous, wicked and barbaric.

“It is a tragic reminder of the deteriorating security situation in many parts of the country. Schools are no longer safe. Rural communities are under siege. Innocent citizens now live in fear while criminals continue to operate with audacity”, it said.