The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has condemned the recent abduction of students and teachers in parts of Oyo State, describing the attack as disturbing and unacceptable.
Drivetvnews gathered In a statement issued through the palace’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, the monarch called for urgent security intervention and a united national response against kidnapping and violent crimes across Nigeria.
The royal father expressed concern over the invasion of communities within the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota axis of Oriire Local Government Area by armed men, which led to the abduction of pupils, teachers and residents.
According to him, attacks on schools amount to an attack on the future of the country, stressing that children and teachers should never become targets of criminal violence.
The monarch also mourned those who lost their lives during the incident, including Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan, a commercial motorcyclist and abducted teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed while in captivity.
The Ooni urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue those still being held and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
He further appealed to governments at all levels to strengthen security in vulnerable communities, especially around schools and rural settlements, to prevent similar incidents.
The monarch also encouraged Nigerians to support security agencies with credible information and community cooperation in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
