Oyo attack: PDP leaders, NBA seek security overhaul after school abductions

The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party and members of the party’s Interim National Working Committee have called for an urgent overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture following the recent abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

 

The call came during a visit by PDP leaders to Governor Seyi Makinde at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan on Monday.

 

The delegation, led by Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara and Interim National Working Committee member Tanimu Turaki, said the visit was to sympathise with the Oyo State government and residents over the attacks.

 

The kidnappings occurred during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area.

 

Speaking with journalists after a closed-door meeting with Makinde, Turaki said security remains a critical national issue that requires urgent attention.

 

“We believe the issue of security is fundamental and must be taken very seriously,” he said.

 

Turaki acknowledged efforts by the Oyo State government to strengthen security but expressed concern over the attacks despite investments in safety measures.

 

“Seeing incidents like these happen despite the enormous resources the governor has committed to security is deeply concerning, especially as the election period approaches,” he said.

 

He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies while calling on the Federal Government to review the nation’s security framework.

 

“Our message to the Federal Government is that Nigeria’s security architecture urgently needs to be overhauled. This has become long overdue,” Turaki added.

 

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan Branch, also called for stronger security measures and urged the state government to review the movement of people into Oyo State.

 

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ibrahim Lawal, the association condemned the attacks and called for swift action to rescue the abducted victims.

 

“This barbarism must not be allowed to have a foothold in an erstwhile peaceful environment,” the NBA said.

 

“The perpetrators of this attack and their sponsors must be unmasked.”

 

The association urged both federal and state governments to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted teachers and students.

 

It also expressed concern over what it described as slow progress in rescue efforts.

 

“The deafening silence attending the activities aimed at liberating the captives does not inspire hope,” the statement added.

 

The association stressed that government must prioritise the protection of lives and property and ensure affected communities regain confidence in security operations.