The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has called for increased security around schools and vulnerable rural communities following the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in Ahoro-Esinle community and neighbouring areas of Ogbomoso in Oyo State.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the association made the call on Tuesday during a special prayer and intercession programme organised by private school proprietors across the five local government areas in the Ogbomoso axis.
The programme was held against the backdrop of the coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, which left parents, teachers, school owners and residents in fear.
Speaking on behalf of the association in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the District Secretary, Olawale Ojewumi, the Public Relations Officer, Tope Olaniyan, and the District Chairperson, Bosede Ajala, said the attacks had created serious concern in the education sector.
They noted that schools, especially those in rural and isolated communities, were becoming increasingly exposed to criminal attacks.
According to the association, the situation requires urgent intervention from both the federal and state governments, as well as security agencies.
Recall that the victims were abducted around 9:30 am on Friday during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area.
The association urged the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government and security agencies to strengthen security arrangements around educational institutions.
It said more attention should be given to schools in rural and vulnerable communities where security presence is often limited.
“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.
“Schools should remain safe environments for learning and not become targets for criminal elements.
“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,” the association said.
NAPPS stressed that urgent and visible security action was needed to restore public confidence in the safety of schools across Ogbomoso and other parts of the country.
The association said parents must be reassured that their children can attend school without fear, while teachers and school workers should also be protected while carrying out their duties.
It added that the attack had gone beyond a local concern, describing it as a threat to education and community safety.
The association appealed to school proprietors, parents, religious leaders, community leaders and other stakeholders to unite in prayers and advocacy for the protection of schools.
It said the safety of schools should not be left to the government alone, urging communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
“This is not the burden of one school alone. An attack on one school is an attack on all schools,” NAPPS said.
The association also prayed for the safe return of all abducted persons and comfort for the families affected by the incident.
It called for stronger collaboration between the government, security agencies and school owners to prevent further attacks on educational institutions.
NAPPS said the latest incident should serve as a wake-up call for authorities to prioritise school safety, particularly in rural areas where children and teachers remain vulnerable.