The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has condemned the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, calling for urgent security action and a united effort to tackle kidnapping and violent crimes across Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch described the abduction of students and teachers from schools within the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso as disturbing and unacceptable.
As gathered by Chronicle NG, armed gunmen reportedly invaded Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, subjecting pupils, teachers and residents to terror.
The Ooni, who is also the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, expressed sadness over the deaths recorded during the incident, including Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan, a commercial motorcyclist, and abducted teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed while in captivity.
He stated that attacks on schools and educational communities amount to an assault on the future of the nation, stressing that children and teachers should never become targets of criminal activities.
The monarch called on security agencies to intensify rescue operations to secure the release of victims still being held captive and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
He also urged governments at all levels to strengthen security around vulnerable communities, especially schools and rural settlements, to prevent future attacks.
The Ooni further appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies through vigilance, credible information sharing and community cooperation, noting that the fight against kidnapping requires collective responsibility.
He sympathised with the families of security operatives, Amotekun Corps members and local vigilantes who reportedly lost their lives during rescue operations, describing their sacrifices as patriotic.
The monarch prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed and asked for the safe return of all abducted victims.
