CONCERNED MEN’S KLUB CONDEMNS OYO SCHOOL ABDUCTIONS, URGES FG TO ACT WITH URGENCY TO RESCUE CHILDREN AND TEACHERS

Umuahia– The Concerned Men’s Klub, CMK, has condemned the abduction of 46 school pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the attack as “babaric” and calling on the Federal Government to deploy every available resource to secure their immediate release.

Gunmen invaded three schools in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities on May 15, 2026 — Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; and L.A. Primary School — abducting 39 students and seven teachers. One teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed by the abductors, including in a disturbing video released online.

In a statement issued on Thursday, CMK President, Dr Ikenna Ukabuiro, said schools must remain safe zones and that the continued captivity of children and educators was “a direct assault on Nigeria’s future”.

“No child belongs in captivity. No teacher should die in the line of duty because the state failed to protect them,”

“We condemn in the strongest terms this kidnap of Oyo school children and teachers, and we call on the Federal Government, as a matter of urgency, to make strategic efforts to rescue them and all others still in captivity across Oyo, Borno and other affected states.”

CMK noted that 42 pupils were also abducted on the same day from Mussa Ward in Askira-Uba, Borno State, and urged authorities to treat all cases with equal seriousness.

The group welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to activate a specialised rescue team and recruit 1,000 forest guards, but insisted that speed and results were critical.

“We cannot afford more delays, more videos of murdered teachers, or more protests by grieving parents,” the statement added.

CMK called for intensified intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, and community engagement around forests bordering Oriire and the Old Oyo National Park.

CMK also urged state governments to conduct security audits of schools near forests and border settlements, as recommended by the Oyo State House of Assembly, and to support the Safe Schools Initiative with adequate funding and implementation.

The group extended solidarity to the families of the victims and to teachers across Nigeria who continue to teach under threat.

Police have debunked viral claims that the abducted Oyo pupils and teachers have been released, stating that as of Thursday, the victims remain in captivity.