A Yoruba socio-cultural organisation based in North America, Egbe Omo Yoruba North America, has criticised South-West governors over what it described as their failure to effectively tackle the worsening security situation in the region following the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State.
Drivetvnews gathered that the group expressed concern over the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, stating that the incident exposed serious security gaps in a region historically known for peace, education, and economic growth.
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when bandits reportedly kidnapped about 39 pupils and seven teachers from three schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency National Executive Council meeting, the organisation lamented what it called the inability of political leaders to adequately protect residents, particularly schoolchildren.
The statement, signed by National President Ayodeji Famuyide, National Secretary Akinrotimi Kuteyi, and Public Relations Secretary Funmilola Iyiola, accused South-West governors of showing complacency in addressing the growing security threats across the region.
According to the group, the kidnapping highlights the urgent need for a coordinated regional security framework capable of tackling kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes.
Egbe Omo Yoruba North America urged the Oyo State Government to deploy every available resource to secure the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted victims. It also called on governors in the region to move beyond political rhetoric and establish a more effective security architecture.
The organisation further argued that the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, has been weakened by inadequate funding, equipment, and operational support.
The group also appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders to hold elected officials accountable for security failures, regardless of political affiliations.
While criticising the Federal Government for what it described as insufficient attention to security challenges in the South-West, the organisation renewed calls for the creation of state police, insisting that decentralised policing has become necessary to address the growing insecurity across the country.
Expressing solidarity with the families of the abducted pupils, the group stressed that the safety of children must remain a top priority, warning that any society unable to protect its young people risks moral and political decline.
It called for urgent action to ensure the safe return of the victims and prevent future attacks on schools and communities.
