Oyo Schools' Abduction: MURIC Asks South West Governors To Urgently Tighten Security To Protect Schools, Residents

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), a right advocate group has stressed the need for the Governors in Ogun State, Oyo State dand other states within the South- West to urgently tighten security to protect schools and residents against any forms of attack by gunmen or suspected bandits 

The Ogun State Chapter of MURIC made the call on Wednesday in reaction to the last Friday's coordinated attack and abduction of learners, teachers and principal from three schools in Orire Local Government Area in Oyo State by the suspected bandits who later killed one of the teachers 

The State Chairman of MURIC, Ustaadh Jimoh Tajudeen Alao in a statement made available by its Secretary, Ambassador Olaleye Rasheed Damilare, reminded governments across the Southwest, especially the Ogun State Government, of their constitutional oath and sacred responsibility to protect lives, property, as the fundamental human rights of every citizen.

MURIC in the statement, expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity ravaging educational institutions across the country, warning that the recent attack on a school in Oyo State shows that criminals are gradually shifting their attention to the South West. 

The target of the attackers according to MURIC, is to destroy and destabilize the educational system within the South West 

The Muslim rights group cautioned that 

Educational institutions, seen as centers of knowledge, peace, and human development, should not be turned to hunting grounds for terrorists and kidnappers.

“It was once said that to destroy a society, you do not need an atomic bomb; all you need is to destroy and destabilize its educational system.”

"Today, that frightening reality is gradually unfolding before our eyes. Educational institutions, which should be centers of knowledge, peace, and human development, are now becoming hunting grounds for terrorists and kidnappers"

MURIC decried the recent painful incident of school abduction in Oyo State, saying it has exposed the dangerous dimension insecurity is taking in the Southwest. 

"The situation demands urgent, sincere, and proactive action from all stakeholders"

"Education remains the bedrock of every developed and developing nation. Once the educational sector collapses, every other sector , science, politics, agriculture, energy, economy, technology, and even national morality will inevitably suffer devastating consequences"

 "At this critical moment, what matters most is not politics, not campaigns, and not calculations for the next election. What matters now is how to save innocent lives and secure the future of our children."

"The Southwest, once regarded as the safest region in Nigeria, is gradually sliding into fear, uncertainty, and horror. If immediate action is not taken, the consequences may become unbearable".

The group then charged all Southwest governors to rise above political differences and speak with one united voice in confronting insecurity across the region, especially around schools and border communities.

The statement further reads in part 

"This is not a mere alarmist or tattletale approach. We acknowledge the efforts being made by security agencies and governments, but when citizens cannot feel the impact of such efforts, appreciation becomes difficult"

 *We urge our leaders to fear Allah and stop playing politics with the lives of innocent Nigerians. Human lives are sacred and leadership is a trust that must not be betrayed.* 

"Nigeria is blessed with some of the finest security personnel in the world and leaders with intellectual capacity. The question therefore remains: why are innocent citizens still living in fear?"

"Enough of promises without action.

Southwest school children, teachers, parents, and indeed every meaningful Nigerian deserve to live, learn, and work in safety and peace"

"The time to act is now before silence turns into sorrow and negligence turns into national regret"

"We commend the relentless efforts of our security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local hunters, So-Safe Corps, and other sister security agencies for their sacrifices and commitment towards making Nigeria a safer place"

"Their courage, sleepless nights, and dedication in the face of rising security challenges deserve recognition and appreciation from every patriotic citizen. We urge them not to relent in their noble duties as the safety of lives and property remains a collective responsibility", the statement concluded