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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Monday deplored the spate of terror attacks on schools across the country, and the kidnapping of students.
While condemning the kidnappings as a “national disgrace”, the body advised the federal and state governments to address the crisis with decisive action.
The religious body expressed shock at the increasing wave of kidnappings and attacks on schools spreading to areas of the country that were once considered relatively safe.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement issued in Abuja, said his party was outraged that heavily armed attackers were able to storm several schools, terrorize communities, kill innocent people and disappear along with scores of students and teachers.
Okoh said: “This is not just a security incident. This is a national disgrace and a frightening reminder that organized criminal violence is spreading into areas of the country that were once considered relatively safe.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, strongly and unequivocally condemns the abduction of school children, teachers and school officials during coordinated attacks on schools in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
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“The invasion of schools by armed criminals in broad daylight, the murder of innocent citizens and the forced abduction of defenseless children constitutes a horrific collapse of security and a direct attack on the conscience of our nation. It is intolerable, shameful and completely unacceptable that Nigerian children can no longer sit safely in classrooms without fear of being abducted by armed groups.
“We are saddened by the reported murder of an assistant principal who bravely tried to protect children, as well as the other innocent victims caught up in this horrific attack. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten, and those responsible must be identified, arrested and brought to justice without hesitation.
“The sight of terrified teachers and helpless mothers begging for mercy from in custody is a national affront that no responsible society should tolerate. No parent should have to watch helplessly as their child is dragged into the woods by armed men. No teacher should have to choose between educating children or risking being kidnapped or killed.
“Nigerians are tired of condolences without consequences and promises without protection. The continued failure to decisively dismantle kidnapping networks and armed criminal groups has made terror the norm across the country. What was once concentrated in the northern region of Nigeria is now spreading dangerously to the Southwest and beyond, threatening national stability, public trust and the safety of future generations.
“We, therefore, call on the Federal Government, security agencies and the Oyo State Government to go beyond routine statements and demonstrate immediate, decisive and coordinated action.
“Every available security and intelligence resource must be mobilized to ensure the unconditional release of the abductees and bring the perpetrators and their collaborators to justice.
“Nigeria must not hand over its schools, its children, or its future to armed criminals. Safe schools initiatives must no longer exist only on paper while students and teachers remain exposed to terror.
“Rural communities, forest corridors and criminal hideouts must be secured, policed and aggressively reclaimed without delay.
“CAN stands in solidarity with the affected families, churches, school communities and residents of Oriire Local Government Area during this painful period. We pray for the safe return of all abductees and for comfort, strength and healing for every family affected by this tragedy.
“When children are hounded in their classrooms, silence becomes complicity and delay becomes dangerous. Nigeria must act decisively to defeat these criminal networks before more innocent lives are destroyed.”
