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By Tracy Moses
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed sadness over the killing of a teacher during the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, while demanding the immediate rescue of pupils, students and teachers abducted by gunmen.
Abbas described the incident as tragic, disturbing and unacceptable, saying attacks on schools and innocent citizens must not be allowed to continue unchecked.
Gunmen had reportedly invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and LEA Primary School, Esiele, abducting several pupils, students and teachers during the attack.
The situation reportedly worsened after the abductors killed one of the victims, identified as mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker called on security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the safe rescue of all victims still in captivity and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He stressed the need for a careful, coordinated and timely rescue operation, noting that the lives of the abducted victims must remain the priority.
Abbas also acknowledged the intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, including the deployment of security personnel and ongoing rescue efforts in the affected communities.
According to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, seven students were kidnapped from Community Grammar School, while 18 children and seven teachers were abducted from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School. One person was also confirmed dead during the attack.
Reacting to the development, the Speaker lamented that schools were increasingly becoming targets of criminal attacks at a time Nigeria was battling a growing number of out-of-school children.
He noted that educational institutions should ordinarily be among the safest places in society and called for improved security around schools and other vulnerable public facilities across the country.
Abbas further sympathised with the families of the victims, particularly the family of the slain teacher, and prayed for the safe return of those still being held captive.
He maintained that the kidnappers must be arrested and prosecuted, insisting that those responsible for the attack should not escape the full weight of the law.