The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has demanded immediate rescue of pupils and teachers abducted by bandits on May 15 in three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The National Publicity Secretary Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, made the demand in statement on Sunday in Enugu.

Mr Chukwu noted that the killing of teachers during and after the attack had further heightened the gravity of this tragic incident.

According to him, Ohanaeze received with profound shock and concern the recent abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from schools in the Oriire LGA of the state by armed criminals.

“The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation unequivocally condemns this barbaric and inhuman act, which represents a direct assault on innocent children, education, and the collective future of our nation.

“The sanctity of human life is sacred and must never be subjected to the cruelty of criminals,” he quoted President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata as saying. 

Mr Mbata said the abduction of children from their schools was an attack on the hopes of families and the future of Nigeria. 

According to him, no society can make meaningful progress when its children live in fear and its schools become targets of violence.

“The immediate rescue of these innocent children and their teachers must be treated as a national priority,” Mr Mbata said.

He said that Ohanaeze extends its heartfelt solidarity to the affected families and the government and people of Oyo State.

“We call on the Federal Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to intensify efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all the victims and bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.

“The protection of our children and educational institutions must remain a matter of urgent national concern,” Mr Mbata stated.

(NAN)