THE Corpers’ Journey Advocacy Network (CJAN), an Advocacy group has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of students and teachers abducted in Oyo State, urging the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts towards their immediate rescue.
In a statement jointly signed by the Executive Director of the organisation, Boluwatife Adedokun, and the Managing Director, Taiwo Ajayi, the group lamented that nearly two weeks after the abduction of students and teachers in Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, many of the victims are yet to regain freedom.
CJAN referenced reports indicating that 39 students and seven teachers were abducted during attacks on Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
Describing the incident as disturbing and heartbreaking, the organisation said the prolonged captivity of innocent students and teachers further exposes the worsening insecurity confronting communities and schools across Nigeria.
“It is painful that innocent students and teachers kidnapped in Oyo State are still in captivity while their families continue to live in fear, uncertainty and emotional trauma. This situation should concern every Nigerian because insecurity is gradually becoming normalised,” the statement read.
The organisation stated that while political activities and campaigns continue to dominate public discussions across the country, many Nigerians are increasingly worried about the seeming lack of urgency in addressing insecurity and protecting lives.
“At a time when communities are under fear and innocent citizens are being kidnapped, Nigerians expect stronger attention, urgency and visible action towards ending insecurity permanently. Human lives must remain the priority of every responsible government,” CJAN stated.
The group urged the Federal Government to move beyond repeated condemnations and begin to tackle insecurity from its roots through stronger intelligence operations, coordinated security efforts and decisive action against criminal networks.
“Bandits and kidnappers do not have more power than the Nigerian state. Nigerians want to see stronger political will, proper coordination and practical steps capable of ending this crisis completely,” the organisation added.
CJAN also called on the Federal Government to provide security agencies with the support, operational freedom and resources needed to confront criminal elements terrorizing communities across the country.
“Our security personnel must be fully supported and empowered to confront those responsible for kidnapping, banditry and attacks on innocent citizens. Nigerians want to see results and not endless cycles of violence and fear,” the statement noted.
The organisation further used the opportunity to call on governors and leaders across the Southwest to urgently ban open grazing in the region, describing it as necessary in preventing future security threats and protecting rural communities.
According to CJAN, while banditry and open grazing are separate issues, there have also been repeated cases of killings, attacks and violent clashes linked to armed herders operating within parts of the region.
“The Southwest must take proactive steps before another security crisis emerges. Open grazing should be banned completely across the region. Farmers and rural residents deserve safety, and communities should not continue to live under fear due to recurring attacks and violent clashes linked to armed herders,” the organisation stated.
CJAN also urged traditional rulers, local stakeholders, hunters and vigilante groups to strengthen community vigilance and intelligence gathering to help prevent criminal activities within their areas.
“Our traditional rulers and grassroots leaders remain closer to the people and understand their communities better. They must work together with local security structures to help protect lives and resist criminal infiltration,” the statement added.
The organisation warned that continued attacks on schools could discourage education and deepen fear among parents already struggling with economic hardship and insecurity.
“It is tragic that children who should be in classrooms learning are now trapped in captivity. Schools must never become places associated with fear and danger,” CJAN said.
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The group appealed to security agencies to act swiftly and ensure the immediate rescue and safe return of all victims still being held by their abductors.