The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has called on security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts toward rescuing pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing their continued captivity as disturbing and unacceptable.
The call formed part of resolutions reached at the group’s caucus meeting held on Thursday at the Akure residence of its leader, Reuben Fasoranti, where delegates from Lagos, Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun, Kwara, Kogi, Osun and Ondo states deliberated on issues affecting Nigeria.
Expressing concern over the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, Afenifere lamented that the victims had remained in captivity for about 50 days.
“It’s about 50 days now that the incident in Oriire local government area occurred. It is a big pity that the victims have not been rescued up till now. We feel highly disturbed that these innocent Nigerians are going through avoidable trauma. Actions must be expedited to get them out of the den of the bandits as quickly as possible,” the group stated.
The organisation sympathised with the families of the victims and urged security agencies to redouble efforts to secure their release, while also addressing the increasing cases of kidnapping reported across parts of Yorubaland and the country.
Afenifere also condemned the reported attack on students of Osun State University, allegedly carried out by army recruits from the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo.
The group said it received reports of the incident with shock, noting allegations that the recruits robbed students, assaulted some of them and harassed female students during the invasion of hostels.
“We are shocked to learn that the attacks were allegedly carried out by army recruits from the Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo, Osun State. As reported, the attacks resulted in robbing the students, man-handling some of them and inappropriately harassing some female students,” the group said.
While acknowledging reports that at least five suspects had been arrested, Afenifere called on authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure those responsible face justice.
“It is therefore very important to bring the heavy hands of the law on them as they are likely to constitute a great danger to the society. This incident also calls for proper rejiging of how candidates for positions in our security agencies are recruited and trained,” the group added.
The organisation further urged governors of Yoruba-speaking states, including Kogi and Kwara, to take more decisive measures against insecurity, warning that growing threats to lives and property were hindering free movement and economic activities in parts of the region.
The group also urged security agencies to identify and prosecute collaborators aiding criminal elements, including those allegedly involved in illegal mining activities linked to the displacement of communities.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué signed by Afenifere National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, at the end of the caucus meeting chaired by Olu Falae.