Oyo Private School Owners Demand Enhanced Security After Abductions

The safety of our children and educators is paramount, and the recent spate of abductions in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, has sent shockwaves through our communities. The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) cannot stand idly by while our schools, meant to be sanctuaries of learning, become targets for criminal elements. We convened a special prayer and intercession program, bringing together proprietors from across the affected axis, to collectively seek divine intervention and to amplify our urgent call for action.

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NAPPS wants to use this period to urge the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government and security agencies to urgently strengthen security architecture around educational institutions, especially those located in rural and vulnerable communities.

We are appealing directly to the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and all security agencies to fundamentally strengthen the security architecture surrounding our educational institutions. This is not a request for mere lip service; we demand visible and urgent actions. Schools, especially those in rural and vulnerable communities, must be fortified. This includes deploying modern surveillance technology, enhancing intelligence gathering, and establishing rapid response mechanisms. The fear gripping parents, teachers, and school owners is palpable, and only decisive action can restore confidence in the safety of our learning environments.

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Schools should remain safe environments for learning and not become targets for criminal elements.

This is not an isolated incident affecting a single institution; it is an attack on the very fabric of our educational system and, by extension, our society. As NAPPS stated, 'An attack on one school is an attack on all schools.' We stand in solidarity with the families affected by these heinous crimes, offering our prayers for the safe return of all abducted persons and for comfort during this trying period. We implore all stakeholders – school proprietors, parents, religious leaders, and community members – to unite in prayer and advocacy.

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We also call for the deployment of modern surveillance technology, improved intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms to prevent future attacks and ensure the swift rescue of abducted victims.

From our perspective here in Nigeria, the vulnerability of schools, particularly in remote areas, is a persistent concern that requires sustained attention. While international media may focus on the sensational aspects of such abductions, our primary focus is on the practical, immediate steps needed to prevent future occurrences and ensure the security of our students. The government's response must be swift, robust, and visible to demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting our future generations. We believe that through collective prayer and unwavering advocacy, coupled with decisive governmental action, we can create safer learning environments for all.

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This is not the burden of one school alone. An attack on one school is an attack on all schools.