OYO STATE SCHOOL ABDUCTION: MURIC DEMANDS URGENT ACTION AS DEATH TOLL ALLEGEDLY RISES TO THREE
The Oyo State Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) strongly condemns the gruesome killing of innocent citizens during the recent abduction incident at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Information available to MURIC confirms that three persons have allegedly lost their lives so far in connection with the unfortunate incident. 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.
We commiserate with the bereaved families, the management of Community High School, the people of Ahoro-Esinle, the entire Oriire Local Government and the Government and people of Oyo State over this painful development.
MURIC notes with concern that among the abducted victims are innocent pupils, majority of whom are Muslims, alongside teachers who are predominantly Christians.
We therefore caution against giving the incident any ethnic or religious coloration because criminality knows no religion. An attack on one innocent Nigerian is an attack on all.
We acknowledge the efforts being made by the Oyo State Government as well as security agencies, particularly the reported arrest of some suspects connected with the incident. We also sympathize with security personnel,, including the Amotekun operatives and local vigilantes who reportedly lost their lives during rescue operations after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by the abductors.
However, MURIC insists that more must be done urgently. Mere promises and routine assurances are no longer enough. The remaining abducted teachers and pupils must be rescued alive and without delay. Every second counts.
Consequently, we call on the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force, Amotekun Corps and all relevant security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen surveillance operations and ensure the immediate rescue of the remaining captives.
MURIC also calls for a comprehensive security audit of vulnerable schools and rural communities across Oyo State. Government must not wait until more innocent lives are wasted before taking proactive steps. Preventive security is cheaper than mourning the dead.
At the same time, local collaborators, informants and logistics suppliers aiding kidnappers within communities must be exposed and decisively dealt with according to the law. Communities must stop shielding criminals under any guise.
Nigeria cannot continue like this. Citizens deserve the right to live, learn, work and travel without fear of abduction or violent death. Government at all levels must rise to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
We pray to Almighty Allah to comfort the families of the deceased, grant speedy recovery to injured security personnel and ensure the safe release of those still in captivity.
Signed:
Amb. Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade,
State Secretary,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC),
Oyo State Chapter.
