NBC condemns abduction of 46 in Oyo, demands stronger action against insecurity

The Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) has expressed outrage over the abduction of 46 persons, including schoolchildren and a two-year-old toddler, by suspected terrorists in communities within Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement issued on Friday by Rev. Ebenezer Durodola on behalf of the President of the Convention, Rev. Dr Israel Adelani Akanji, the NBC described the incident as a tragic reflection of Nigeria’s worsening security situation.

According to the Convention, the victims included 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted during coordinated attacks on Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

The NBC disclosed that among those kidnapped was a two-year-old girl identified as Christianah Akanbi of Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

The attackers were also reported to have stolen four motorcycles belonging to residents during the invasion.

Expressing deep concern over the wellbeing of the victims, especially the children, Akanji lamented that the abductees were being held in harsh conditions without adequate shelter.

“We are particularly grieved by the condition of the children and the toddler who are being innocently held captive in the bush and exposed daily to rainfall and harsh weather without any shelter or cover,” he said.

The NBC president further revealed that some teachers reportedly lost their lives during the attack, while others kidnapped alongside the pupils were enduring traumatic experiences in captivity.

He stated that the latest incident reflected a growing pattern of attacks on churches, schools and communities across the country.

“The Nigerian Baptist Convention has faced a series of attacks on our schools and churches across Nigeria, with families and institutions being forced to pay huge ransoms,” Akanji said.

He recalled the 2021 abduction of students from Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna State, noting that despite repeated appeals for decisive action against insecurity, the crisis had continued to worsen.

“Nigerians, particularly the Church, are running out of patience and cannot continue to watch while lives and properties are being daily wasted,” he stated.

The Convention called on both the federal and state governments to adopt stronger and better coordinated measures to combat terrorism, kidnapping and banditry across the country.

“This crisis requires coordinated and decisive action beyond mere statements. Security agencies handling these issues must adopt a more robust, focused, modern and hard attack strategy to eliminate these evil elements from our society,” Akanji added.

The cleric also urged traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society organisations to support security efforts at the grassroots level, stressing that local participation remained critical in tackling insecurity.

“Local ownership of security is critical at this time,” he said.

The NBC renewed its call for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralised policing would improve local intelligence gathering and strengthen rapid response capabilities.

According to Akanji, state police units should be adequately equipped and empowered with sophisticated weapons to effectively confront criminal groups operating across communities.

He also urged the Federal Government to seek international assistance where necessary to prevent the infiltration of criminal elements into the country.

Describing the continued attacks on innocent children as both a moral and spiritual tragedy, Akanji said the growing violence against minors represented a direct assault on humanity and national values.

“The dimension of torturing innocent children in Nigeria is tantamount to insulting God who has a high regard for children,” he said.

The Convention commiserated with families who lost loved ones during the attack and assured authorities of its support toward efforts aimed at securing the safe release of those abducted.

It also called on Nigerians and members of the Baptist community to continue praying for the safe return of all captives and for lasting peace across the country.