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A human rights organization, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./Gte. (SOJA), has condemned the reported kidnapping of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident and alleged killing of a teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, as “one case too many”.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group expressed deep concern over reports that armed assailants had kidnapped teachers and students from schools in the council area on or about May 15, 2026, while Mr Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was reportedly killed during the incident.
The organization said several victims are believed to still be in captivity waiting to be rescued.
SOJA, led by its founder and executive director, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, expressed its condolences to the affected families and communities, warning that repeated attacks on schools and civilians in some parts of the country are becoming alarming.
According to the advocacy group, the incident, if confirmed, would raise serious constitutional and human rights concerns under both Nigerian law and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, SOJA emphasized that “the safety and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” while Sections 33, 34 and 35 guarantee the rights to life, dignity and personal liberty.
The group also referred to Nigeria’s obligations under several international and regional legal frameworks, including the United Nations-backed International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
SOJA argued that the obligations imposed by these instruments go beyond symbolic commitments, requiring authorities to take practical and preventative measures to protect lives, particularly those of vulnerable groups such as schoolchildren and teachers.
“The implication of these obligations in the current circumstances is that the government’s responsibility goes beyond simply reacting after tragic events have occurred,” the statement read.
The organization acknowledged reports that security agencies had stepped up rescue operations and investigations, but argued that recurring attacks on schools required more decisive and proactive measures.
“This is one case too many,” the note adds.
SOJA therefore called for the immediate intensification of legal rescue efforts for those still in captivity, a thorough investigation into the incident, the prosecution of those responsible, the strengthening of security around schools and vulnerable communities, and adequate support for victims and affected families.
The group also urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of strategies aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
“Teachers should not become targets. Schools should not become zones of fear. Children should not bear the brunt of insecurity,” the organization said.
