The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate for Oyo Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections, Hon. Afolabi Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as “Aloma,” has expressed deep sympathy to the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), affected schools, and families of victims over the recent abduction of teachers, pupils, and students in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Aloma, in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, described the incident as painful, unfortunate, and unacceptable, saying the attack on innocent schoolchildren and teachers has created fear and anxiety among residents and stakeholders across Oyo State.
The PDP chieftain noted that the reported abduction of pupils, students, and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele area of Oriire Local Government further highlights the growing security concerns confronting rural communities and educational institutions.
According to him, schools are sacred environments meant for learning, moral development, and the nurturing of future leaders, stressing that attacks on educational institutions must never be tolerated in any society that values human capital development.
Aloma lamented that the ugly development has not only disrupted academic activities in the affected communities but has also inflicted emotional and psychological trauma on parents, teachers, and residents.
He said: “The abduction of innocent pupils, students, and teachers in Oriire Local Government is heartbreaking and condemnable. It is painful to imagine that children who left their homes in search of knowledge became victims of criminal attacks.
“This unfortunate incident calls for collective action and renewed commitment toward strengthening security, especially in vulnerable rural communities. Our schools must remain safe havens for learning and not centres of fear and panic.”
The House of Representatives hopeful sympathised with Governor Seyi Makinde over the security challenge, commending the swift intervention of the state government and security agencies in responding to the incident.
He equally acknowledged the concern shown by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders who have continued to speak against insecurity and support efforts aimed at restoring peace in the affected communities.
Aloma also extended solidarity to the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), describing teachers as critical stakeholders in nation-building who deserve protection, support, and conducive environments to discharge their responsibilities.
He stressed that the safety of teachers and students should never be compromised, adding that attacks on schools pose serious threats to the future of education and socio-economic development.
While calling for stronger grassroots security mechanisms, the PDP candidate advocated improved collaboration between conventional security agencies, local vigilante groups, hunters, traditional institutions, and community-based intelligence networks.
According to him, community policing and intelligence gathering must be strengthened to prevent criminal elements from exploiting remote areas to perpetrate attacks.
He further urged governments at all levels to invest more in rural security infrastructure, surveillance systems, logistics support for security operatives, and rapid response strategies capable of addressing emergencies in schools and local communities.
Aloma maintained that beyond rescue operations, proactive measures must be prioritised to prevent future occurrences and restore public confidence in the safety of educational institutions.
“The security of our children and teachers must remain a shared responsibility.
Government alone cannot do it without the cooperation of community leaders, residents, and relevant stakeholders.
“We must strengthen local security networks, improve intelligence sharing, and ensure that criminal elements no longer find safe spaces within our communities,” he added.
The PDP candidate also called on security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing the safe rescue of all abducted victims, expressing optimism that ongoing operations would yield positive results.
He urged residents of the affected communities to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of security agencies by providing useful information that could aid rescue efforts and ongoing investigations.
Aloma prayed for the safe return of the abducted teachers, pupils, and students, while expressing hope that peace and normalcy would soon return to the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives and policies that promote security, quality education, and sustainable community development across Oyo Federal Constituency and Oyo State at large.
