The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the August 15 Osun State poll, Najeem Salaam, has said the killing of an abducted teacher in Oyo State reflects the worsening insecurity across the country, insisting that Nigerians’ safety should take precedence over political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Salaam spoke on Tuesday, May 19, while reacting to the killing of Mr Michael Oyedokun, one of the victims abducted during last Friday’s attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement obtained in Osogbo, the former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly described the incident as “barbaric and heartbreaking,” saying the continued targeting of teachers, students and other civilians by kidnappers had become intolerable.
Salaam said, “The rising wave of insecurity across the country has reached an alarming level. It is painful that teachers and other innocent Nigerians are now easy targets for kidnappers and criminal elements.”
He added, “The lives of Nigerians are more important than 2027 politicking. Governance must be about protecting the people, securing communities, and restoring confidence in the nation’s security architecture.”
Oyedokun was among those abducted after armed men attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle area of Oriire Local Government on Friday.
The attackers reportedly stormed Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, abducting about 30 students, teachers and other residents during the raid.
Two persons were also reportedly killed during the attack, which triggered panic across the affected communities and renewed concerns over rising cases of abduction targeting schools and rural settlements.
Although security agencies have intensified rescue efforts for the remaining victims, the incident has continued to generate reactions from political leaders and civil society groups within and outside Oyo State.
Salaam said the country was gradually reaching a dangerous point where citizens could no longer feel safe in schools, workplaces or their communities.
According to him, the recurring attacks across different parts of the country should compel governments at all levels to place security above partisan interests and electoral manoeuvring.
He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to confront the worsening crisis with urgency, insisting that the protection of lives and property must remain the primary responsibility of government.
He stated, “The continuous killing and abduction of innocent Nigerians have become unacceptable.”
The ADC candidate also called for immediate action to secure the release of those still in captivity.
He urged security agencies to deploy every available strategy and resource toward rescuing the remaining abductees safely and preventing further attacks on schools and vulnerable communities.
Salaam further described the incident as a national wake-up call, saying insecurity had evolved into an emergency demanding decisive and sincere intervention from political leaders and security institutions.
He condoled with the family of the slain teacher, his colleagues, students and residents affected by the attack.
The attack in Oyo came amidst growing national anxiety over kidnapping, armed violence and attacks on educational institutions, especially in rural communities where security presence is often limited.
Recent incidents in parts of the country have continued to expose concerns over the vulnerability of schools and the broader challenge of protecting civilians from criminal groups operating across highways and remote settlements.
While authorities have not officially disclosed the identities of all those still in captivity, the attack has further intensified public calls for stronger security measures around schools and improved emergency response systems in vulnerable areas.