By John Dike, Osogbo
The Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Rt Revd Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, has called on Christians and Nigerians to pray fervently for the safe release of teachers, students, and children abducted during attacks on schools in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
He described the incident as “deeply saddening” and directed that special prayers be offered in all Holy Masses and prayer gatherings for the victims’ safe return.
The cleric, in a statement, advised that the intention should also be included in intercessory prayers and the ongoing Novena to the Holy Spirit ahead of Pentecost Sunday.
He made the appeal followinh the May 15 attack on schools located around the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso, where armed men reportedly invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School during school hours.
Reports indicated that the gunmen shot a teacher, creating panic among pupils, teachers, and residents before abducting the principal of Community Grammar School, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, alongside several students and teachers.
Community sources disclosed that the attackers escaped through a nearby forest reserve after fleeing in the principal’s vehicle.
Residents also criticised what they described as a delayed security response, noting that the nearest police station was far from the affected communities.
The spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the incident, stating that tactical and intelligence units had been deployed to rescue the victims and track down the perpetrators.
Tension further heightened on May 18 when teachers in the area staged a peaceful protest over the abduction of their colleagues and students. The protesters shut down classrooms and marched to the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) office in Ogbomoso, demanding urgent government action.
The demonstration followed the circulation of a disturbing viral video allegedly showing the beheading of one of the abducted teachers, later identified as Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher.
Speaking on the incident, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, confirmed that students and teachers were abducted from three schools.
He said about seven students were abducted from Community Secondary School, while 18 children and about seven teachers were kidnapped from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School.
Makinde also confirmed that one of the abductees had been killed.
“Whatever it is they demand, we are ready to listen and address what we can as a state government. But the children and their teachers must be released,” the governor stated.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely information, assuring that the government would do everything possible to secure the victims’ release.
Bishop Badejo also called for prayers for Nigeria’s political leaders, asking God to grant them wisdom and courage to tackle the country’s growing insecurity.
