The Iyalode of Akinyele Town and Environs, Hon. Chief [Mrs.] Olajumoke Odususi, has called for the immediate rescue of the schoolchildren abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as heartbreaking and a disturbing attack on the future of the country.
Odususi, a former All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Ibadan North Federal Constituency, expressed sympathy with the parents and families of the victims, assuring them of her prayers and solidarity during the difficult period.
In a statement made available to journalists on Saturday, she lamented the increasing wave of insecurity targeting vulnerable groups, particularly children in rural communities.
“It is disheartening and heart-wrenching to hear the news of the abduction of these stars and future leaders of our country in Oriire Local Government Area. I and members of my political family share in the pains of the parents and loved ones of the abductees. We pray for their safe release and reunion with their families,” she said.
Odususi urged security agencies, the Oyo State Government and the Federal Government to intensify efforts towards securing the release of the victims and ensuring that those behind the crime are brought to justice.
According to her, the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.
“As clearly stated in Section 14 of the Constitution, the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. Nigerians must be protected irrespective of where they reside. More importantly, children and residents of rural communities must not be left at the mercy of kidnappers, terrorists and other criminal elements,” she stated.
The former federal constituency candidate also called for urgent reforms to strengthen the country’s security architecture, including the recruitment of more security personnel, the establishment of state police and increased support for the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps.
She argued that the growing security challenges confronting the country require a more decentralised and community-driven approach to policing.
“To secure every nook and cranny of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole, there is a need to recruit more security officers, establish state police and strengthen the Amotekun Corps. These measures will help fortify our security architecture and make Nigeria a safer place for all citizens,” she said.
Odususi expressed optimism that with greater collaboration among security agencies and stronger institutional support, the country would be better positioned to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes threatening national development.
She also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing efforts to secure the release of the abducted schoolchildren.
