MUSWEN Demands Immediate Action Over Oyo School Abductions

MUSWEN Demands Immediate Action Over Oyo School Abductions

The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has strongly condemned the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the attack as a barbaric act capable of undermining education, public safety, and national development.

In a statement jointly signed by its President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, and Executive Secretary, Professor Wole Abbas, the apex Muslim organisation in the South West expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called for urgent intervention by security agencies and government authorities.

The group particularly condemned the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, whose death was confirmed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde after the circulation of a disturbing video allegedly linked to the kidnappers.

According to MUSWEN, the kidnapping of innocent pupils and educators, alongside the murder of a teacher while carrying out his professional duties, represents “the height of inhumanity” and a direct assault on the educational future of the region and the country.

The organisation stated that attacks on schools continue to create fear among parents, students, and teachers, warning that insecurity within learning environments could further weaken the education sector and disrupt academic activities in affected communities.

READ ALSO:

• Hisbah Arrests Man Found Inside “Ghana Must-Go” Bag in Married Woman’s House
• Understanding Ahmad Gumi Controversy and Nigeria’s Security Power Structure
• UTME 2026: JAMB Gives Fresh Update on Original Result Slip Delay

The abduction reportedly occurred during coordinated attacks on schools within the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota axis of Oriire Local Government Area, where armed men invaded multiple schools, including Community High School, L.A. Primary School, and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, abducting pupils and teachers.

Governor Makinde had confirmed that several teachers and pupils were abducted during the attack, while security agencies, including the police, military personnel, Amotekun operatives, local hunters, and vigilantes, have since launched rescue operations aimed at securing the release of the victims.

MUSWEN urged security agencies to intensify efforts toward the immediate and unconditional rescue of all remaining hostages, insisting that the safety of children and educators must remain a top national priority.

The group also called on the federal and state governments to adopt more proactive security measures, including improved intelligence gathering, community policing, surveillance operations, and stronger collaboration with local communities to tackle banditry and violent crimes.

According to the organisation, addressing the socio-economic conditions fueling insecurity is equally important in achieving long-term peace and stability across vulnerable communities.

MUSWEN appealed to residents of the affected areas and the general public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid rescue efforts and prevent future attacks.

The organisation further urged Muslim communities across the South West to support affected families through prayers, humanitarian assistance, and community solidarity during the difficult period.

Reaffirming its commitment to promoting peace and security, MUSWEN stressed that protecting schools, pupils, and teachers should remain a collective responsibility for government, security agencies, religious bodies, and community leaders.

Meanwhile, Governor Makinde has assured residents that the Oyo State Government is intensifying efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims. The governor also disclosed that the state recently acquired surveillance aircraft to strengthen security monitoring across forests and border communities vulnerable to criminal attacks.

MUSWEN Demands Immediate Action Over Oyo School Abductions