Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The United Kingdom/Europe chapter of Afenifere has issued a stern warning to governors across Nigeria's South-West region, urging them to take immediate and decisive action to prevent the region from descending into a theatre of insecurity following the abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers in Oyo State. In a statement issued on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation also called on security agencies to intensify ongoing operations to secure the safe release of the victims, expressing confidence that they would soon regain their freedom.
The schoolchildren and teachers were abducted on 15 May 2026, during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and two other schools in Ahoro-Esinle and Alawusa communities, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. A total of 39 pupils and seven teachers were taken away by the armed attackers, who initially demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, ransom payment, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related laws, according to multiple reports. The abduction, which occurred in one of Nigeria's historically most peaceful regions, has sent shockwaves across the country and sparked widespread outrage.
In a statement issued in London by its Secretary, Engr. Anthony Ajayi, the group described the incident as a disturbing development capable of undermining peace, public confidence and the region's longstanding reputation for security if urgent measures were not taken. According to the statement, the South-West has historically remained one of Nigeria's most peaceful regions and should not be allowed to become a safe haven for criminal elements targeting schools and innocent citizens. "We believe every effort should be directed towards ensuring the safe release of the abducted schoolchildren and their teachers. Security must remain above politics, and the South-West must not be allowed to become a theatre of insecurity," the statement said.
UK Afenifere appealed to governors of the six South-West states to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve collaboration among security agencies, invest in community policing initiatives and increase surveillance around schools and other vulnerable public institutions. The organisation stressed that protecting lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, adding that stronger security measures would reassure residents, improve public confidence and discourage criminal activities across the region. It further urged traditional rulers, community leaders and local vigilante groups to work closely with security agencies by providing credible intelligence capable of preventing future attacks. The group also appealed for sustained efforts to rescue the abducted victims, insisting that all available resources should be deployed until they are safely reunited with their families.
Commenting on the political dimension of the incident, UK Afenifere alleged that President Bola Tinubu was aware that the abduction was politically motivated and intended to tarnish the image of his administration ahead of the 2027 general election. Despite the allegation, the organisation urged Nigerians not to politicise the country's security challenges but instead support efforts aimed at rescuing the victims, restoring peace and ensuring those responsible for the abduction are apprehended and prosecuted.
The group also commended security operatives participating in the rescue operation, expressing optimism that the abducted schoolchildren and their teachers would soon be reunited with their families. It equally called on residents across the South-West to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement agencies and promptly report suspicious movements or activities within their communities to help prevent future attacks. Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of Yoruba interests, UK Afenifere maintained that the safety of lives, educational institutions and communities must remain a top priority for governments across the South-West, warning that sustained investment in security is essential to preserve the region's peace and stability.
The abduction has drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters, including the Senate, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, and human rights organisations. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has confirmed that troops are making significant progress in the rescue operation, with security forces closing in on the kidnappers' hideout. However, more than seven weeks after the abduction, the victims remain in captivity, heightening anxiety among their families and the nation at large. The Oyo State Government has assured residents that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the abducted victims, with Governor Seyi Makinde previously stating that the abductors were operating from a vast forest stretching across 10 local government areas.
The Afenifere warning comes amid growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the South-West, where incidents of kidnapping, banditry and communal violence have been on the rise. The region, which has historically been one of Nigeria's most stable and economically vibrant zones, is now facing unprecedented security challenges that threaten its development and social cohesion. The abduction of schoolchildren, in particular, has struck at the heart of the region's sense of safety, with many parents now fearful of sending their children to school. As the security crisis deepens, the call by Afenifere for urgent and coordinated action by South-West governors and the Federal Government has taken on a new urgency, with the organisation warning that the region's future stability hangs in the balance.
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