The Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has condemned the abduction of primary and secondary school pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The monarch described the incident, which occurred on Friday, as sad and unacceptable, calling for stronger collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers and local vigilantes to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Oba Ladoja made this known in a statement issued by his media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko.
The Olubadan also commiserated with the families of the teacher and commercial motorcyclists reportedly shot by the gunmen during the attack.
He said the incident had again shown the need for all stakeholders to work together in tackling insecurity across the country.
According to him, the kidnapping of schoolchildren was a painful development, especially given the efforts of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to protect lives and property in the state.
Oba Ladoja said the safety of residents should not be treated as the duty of government alone, stressing that security was a collective responsibility.
The monarch urged the police and other security operatives to intensify their search for the abducted pupils.
He said, “The kidnapping of the students in Oriire Local Government Area is a sad development.
“It is high time that we all come together to address the issue of insecurity nationwide.
“The police and other security operatives must intensify their search for these students.
“Also, the local vigilante and the traditional rulers must collaborate with the security personnel at ensuring that the kidnapped students return to their respective parents safely.”
Oba Ladoja said traditional rulers and local security networks had important roles to play in supporting formal security agencies, especially in rural communities.
He urged community leaders to share credible information with security operatives and assist in ongoing efforts to track the gunmen.
The monarch added that the safe return of the abducted pupils should remain the immediate priority of all stakeholders.
He also called on residents to remain calm while security agencies continue their rescue operation.