The Christian Association of Nigeria has strongly condemned the recent abduction of schoolchildren, teachers and school officials during coordinated attacks on communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as a disturbing sign of worsening insecurity in the country.
The attacks, which reportedly occurred in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities, saw armed men storm schools, kill some victims and abduct dozens of pupils and staff members.
In a statement issued on Monday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the incident as both tragic and unacceptable, warning that schools are increasingly becoming targets for criminal groups.
CAN said the development reflects what it called a “frightening collapse of security” and an alarming spread of violent crime into regions previously considered relatively stable.
According to the association, the repeated attacks on learning institutions represent “a national disgrace,” stressing that it is no longer acceptable for children to fear being kidnapped while in classrooms.
“The invasion of schools by armed criminals in broad daylight, the killing of innocent citizens, and the abduction of defenceless children show a deeply troubling breakdown of security and a direct attack on our national conscience,” the statement read in part.
The group also expressed grief over reports that an assistant headmaster was killed while attempting to protect students during the assault, alongside other victims.
CAN noted that Nigerians are growing increasingly frustrated with what it described as repeated attacks followed by assurances without lasting solutions.
“Nigerians are exhausted by condolences without consequences,” the association said, adding that the failure to dismantle kidnapping networks has allowe insecurity to spread.
The body warned that violence, once concentrated in parts of northern Nigeria, is now extending into the South-West, raising fears about broader national instability.
CAN urged the Federal Government, security agencies, and the Christian Association of Nigeria (Oyo State chapter and relevant authorities) to act swiftly to secure the release of all abducted victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
It also called for stronger protection of schools, particularly in rural areas and communities near forest corridors often used by armed groups.
“When children are hunted in their classrooms, silence becomes complicity,” the association warned, urging immediate and coordinated security intervention.
CAN further expressed solidarity with affected families and communities in Oriire Local Government Area, praying for the safe return of all abducted victims and the repose of those killed in the attack.
