Playing Politics with Kidnapped Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers Dangerous, Unacceptable, Says Group
The Team Lead of Youth Advocate for Change (YAFC), Mr. Adeola Ogunlade, has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, describing attempts by politicians and other stakeholders to politicize the incident as dangerous, insensitive and unacceptable.
In a statement, Ogunlade said the abduction of the pupils and their teachers, which occurred over two weeks ago while academic activities were ongoing, highlights the growing insecurity facing schools and threatens efforts to improve access to education across Nigeria.
According to him, Nigerians woke up to the heartbreaking news that 47 persons, including schoolchildren and teachers, were kidnapped while learning was in progress, raising fresh concerns about the safety of educational institutions and the future of children in the country.
“The question remains: what offence have these children committed in their pursuit of education and their desire to become responsible and productive citizens in the future? Schools are meant to be safe spaces for learning, growth and development, not places of fear and uncertainty,” he said.
