The Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry Enugu, Nigeria (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has appealed to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to secure the safe and immediate release of the schoolchildren and teachers recently abducted in the state.
Mbaka made the call during a sermon at the ministry’s ground in Enugu, expressing deep sadness over the security breach that led to the incident.
The cleric’s appeal follows the recent abduction of over 40 schoolchildren and seven teachers by heavily armed bandits in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Describing the incident as a national tragedy that strikes at the heart of the country’s future, Mbaka noted that the safety of children must remain a non-negotiable priority for leaders at all levels of government.
“Our hearts bleed for these innocent children and their families. A school should be a sanctuary of learning, not a target for bandits and terrorists. I call on Governor Seyi Makinde, as the chief security officer of Oyo State, to deploy all available resources, intelligence, and security machinery to ensure these children and their teachers are rescued unhurt,” Mbaka stated.
While acknowledging the complexity of the current security situation across the nation, the cleric emphasized that state governors must take more proactive steps to protect vulnerable communities, particularly educational institutions located in border and rural areas.
He urged the Oyo State Government to work in close synergy with federal security agencies, local vigilantes, and community stakeholders to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Mbaka also extended his prayers and words of comfort to the families of the victims, asking God to grant them fortitude during this difficult period. He assured them that the Christian community would remain steadfast in prayers for the safe return of the captives.
“We cannot fold our arms and watch fear dictate the lives of our citizens. I urge the security agencies not to relent until these victims are reunited with their loved ones,” he added.