NBA Ibadan Demands Urgent Rescue of Abducted Oyo Teachers, Pupils
By Peace Erewunmi
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, has called on the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to urgently intensify efforts toward the rescue of teachers and pupils abducted in Orire area of Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the branch, Ibrahim Lawal Esq., the association condemned the attack, describing it as a barbaric assault on a previously peaceful community.
The NBA expressed concern over what it described as the slow pace of rescue efforts more than ten days after the incident occurred, stressing that the silence surrounding government operations had created anxiety among residents and relatives of the victims.
According to the association, the continued captivity of the abducted victims raises fears over the conditions they may currently be facing in the hands of their abductors.
“The deafening silence attending the activities aimed at liberating the captives does not inspire hope,” the statement read.
While acknowledging that security operations may require confidentiality, the NBA insisted that the government must demonstrate stronger commitment and urgency in addressing the situation.
The association further warned against allowing insecurity to become entrenched in Oyo State, adding that the perpetrators and sponsors of the attack must be identified and brought to justice.
The NBA also urged the Oyo State Government to adopt proactive security measures to safeguard lives and property across the state.
Among the recommendations made by the association were stricter regulation of commercial motorcycle operators, proper monitoring of the influx of unidentified persons into the state, and intensified security operations in forest reserves suspected to be hiding criminal elements.
The legal body cautioned against complacency, noting that citizens may resort to self-help if criminal attacks continue unchecked.
The NBA reaffirmed that the primary responsibility of government remains the protection and welfare of citizens and called for the immediate and safe return of all abducted victims.
