The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has called for prayers for the safe return of abducted Oyo pupils and teachers including other Nigerians in kidnappers’ dens across the country as Muslims  mark the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir.

Recall that armed gunmen on May 15, attacked three schools—Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School—in the Ahoro-Esinele community of Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers.

In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Ogini Olaposi, on Wednesday  in Lagos, the NNPP also urged low-key celebrations in solidarity with families of the missing children and all kidnapped victims nationwide.

The party noted that Nigeria was fighting a war against insecurity and needed the prayers and support of all citizens.

It said, “Today is Children’s Day across the globe. We must reflect on how parents of all children in the den of kidnappers feel. These parents are our neighbours and relations. We must show solidarity and support the government in fighting this evil.

“This is no longer time for blame game. It can happen to anyone. Families have lost dear ones to kidnapping, robbery, rituals, organ harvesting and entire villages almost wiped out by bandits and unidentified gunmen.

“The mistake we make is underrating the  intentions of the criminals, who do not know tribe or religion. Therefore, we must stop politicising criminality and giving it religious and tribal colorations.”

The party particularly urged traditional rulers to rise up to assist in fighting crime by strictly monitoring their domains, including their forests to ensure that unknown persons were fished out.

It added, “As a country, we can do this if we unite on the purpose of brotherhood and love. Nobody is safe, people are attacked and abducted near airports, in churches and even in their homes. we have only one alternative, which is to face the challenges and respond appropriately.”

The party, however, wished all Nigerian students and pupils a happy Children’s Day and prayed to God to continue to protect the nation’s future generations.(NAN)