The mass abduction of students is a pastime of terrorists in Northern Nigeria. Its drift to the South-west occurred on 15 May with the raid of three schools in Oyo State, resulting in the kidnapping of about 32 persons. One of the victims is a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who has been beheaded in a gruesome manner. This was a most barbaric act, which has struck fear into the people of the state, and Nigerians at large.
These horrific incidents really need to be stopped across the country, and particularly before they also become the norm in the South-west and other parts that they are gradually creeping into. The schools recently affected were Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; Primary School, Esiele; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, all in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. The official tally of those still in captivity is: 18 pupils of the primary schools, seven students of the secondary school involved, and seven teachers. However, community leaders say 46 people were affected, whose names and ages they have provided.
The synergy of response efforts is of the essence now, to secure the release of those still alive among the abducted. Tactical and intelligence teams have been deployed for this objective. Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, enthusiastically stated that, “We expect a breakthrough soon,” as the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, is reportedly leading a “technology-driven (rescue) operation.”
