A leading governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Barrister Chief Niyi Aborisade, has strongly criticized the handling of security challenges following a brutal attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area. The assault resulted in the death of an assistant headmaster and the abduction of several pupils and teachers. Aborisade, who is vying for the governorship ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 election, described the incident as a disturbing development and a painful reminder of the growing insecurity afflicting residents across the state.
Aborisade Expresses Shock and Sympathy
Reacting to reports of the coordinated attack on three schools in Yawota and Esiele communities, Aborisade expressed profound shock. He extended his deepest sympathies to the families impacted by the tragedy. “The news on the abduction of school teachers and students in Oriire Local Government came to me as a rude shock. My heart goes to the family of the slain teacher, the abducted students, and all families currently passing through trauma and uncertainty because of this unfortunate incident,” he stated.
Schools Should Be Safe Havens
The governorship hopeful emphasized that no society can achieve meaningful progress when schools, which should be safe environments for learning, become targets of criminal attacks. He noted that the killing of an education officer and the reported abduction of pupils, including minors, represent a dangerous signal that could create fear among parents and erode confidence in the educational system. Aborisade stressed that the security of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of any government, adding that the increasing reports of kidnapping and violent attacks in parts of Oyo State have raised serious concerns among residents.
Government Must Act Decisively
Aborisade maintained that the current trend suggests criminal activities are becoming more frequent and emboldened, warning that government authorities must not treat such developments with indifference. “As it is today, the Oyo State Government needs to do more in terms of the protection of lives and property. The wave of kidnappings and security breaches in Oyo State appears to be on the rise, and many citizens are beginning to express concern over the direction of things,” he stated. He further argued that as the Chief Security Officer of the state, Governor Seyi Makinde carries a moral responsibility to intensify efforts aimed at tackling insecurity.
Need for Enhanced Security Measures
Aborisade called for stronger intelligence gathering, strategic collaboration among security agencies, and improved surveillance around vulnerable communities, especially rural settlements near forests and isolated areas. According to him, the attack on Oriire once again exposed security gaps in remote communities where residents face challenges such as delayed emergency response and inadequate security presence. He noted that schools in rural communities require special protection given the vulnerability of children and teaching personnel. He urged the state government to immediately review its security architecture and consider establishing additional security formations in flashpoint communities.
“Things must change to allay the fears and tension currently spreading across Oyo State. Citizens deserve to sleep with their eyes closed and send their children to school without fear of abduction,” he said. Aborisade also appealed to security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of all victims still in captivity. He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement by providing timely information to prevent future occurrences.
Call for Comprehensive Rural Security Review
The ADC governorship aspirant further called for a comprehensive review of rural security strategies, insisting that preventing future attacks should receive the same urgency as rescuing victims. The attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area has thrown affected communities into panic after armed men reportedly stormed the schools, killed an assistant headmaster, abducted pupils and teachers, and escaped through nearby forest routes. Security agencies have since launched a rescue operation, while the Oyo State Government ordered the temporary closure of schools in affected local government areas. This development continues to generate reactions from political stakeholders and residents amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the state.
