Oriire Attack: Oyo NUJ Calls For Strengthened Security Measures

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, has expressed sadness over the recent attack on schools in Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, describing the incident as disturbing and unacceptable.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Council, Mr. Akeem Abas, and the Secretary, Temidayo Adu, the union said the invasion of the schools by armed men caused fear and confusion among pupils, students and members of staff.

The council recalled that the attack, which occurred on Friday, reportedly affected L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinele and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele. According to reports, the Assistant Headmaster of the primary school, Mr. Joel Adesiyan, lost his life during the incident, while a Vice Principal and some school children were abducted.

The journalists’ union noted that children deserve to learn in a peaceful and secure environment free from fear and violence. It stressed that schools should remain safe centres for learning, character building and personal development.

Oyo NUJ also described attacks on schools as a threat to the future of society, urging security agencies to intensify efforts towards arresting those responsible for the crime and ensuring the safe return of the abducted children to their families.

The council, however, commended the prompt intervention of security agencies in responding to the incident and called on government as well as other stakeholders to strengthen security measures around schools across the state to prevent similar occurrences in the future.