NBC sounds warning over kidnapping of 46 people in Oyo

The Nigerian Baptist Convention has strongly condemned the abduction of 46 individuals, including schoolchildren and a two-year-old toddler, by suspected terrorists in communities within Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as a stark reflection of Nigeria's deteriorating insecurity.

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This tragic event, which involved the abduction of seven teachers and 39 pupils from Community High School and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, has left the Convention deeply concerned about the welfare of the victims, particularly the two-year-old girl, Christianah Akanbi.

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A statement issued by Rev. Ebenezer Durodola on behalf of the NBC president, Rev. Dr Israel Adelani Akanji, revealed that the attackers also made off with four motorcycles belonging to residents during the coordinated attacks on the communities.

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The Convention has expressed deep concern over the condition of the abducted children, who are being held in harsh conditions without shelter, and are being exposed to rainfall and harsh weather daily.

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Rev. Dr Israel Adelani Akanji stated that the Convention is particularly grieved by the condition of the children and the toddler, who are being innocently held captive in the bush without any shelter or cover.

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Akanji also revealed that some teachers reportedly lost their lives during the attack, while those abducted are enduring harrowing experiences and untold hardship that no human being should have to endure.

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The NBC president noted that the latest abduction highlights a disturbing pattern of attacks on churches, schools, and communities across the country, with the Nigerian Baptist Convention facing a series of attacks on its schools and churches.

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Akanji recalled the abduction of students from Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna State in 2021, and lamented that despite repeated appeals for decisive action against insecurity, the situation has continued to deteriorate.

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The Convention has called on federal and state governments to adopt stronger and more coordinated security measures to combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across the country, emphasizing that this crisis requires coordinated and decisive action beyond mere statements.

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Rev. Dr Israel Adelani Akanji urged security agencies to adopt a more robust, focused, modern, and hard attack strategy to eliminate these evil elements from society, and also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society groups to support security efforts at the grassroots level.

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The NBC has renewed its call for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralized policing would strengthen local security responses and improve intelligence gathering, and that state police formations should be adequately equipped and allowed to carry sophisticated weapons.

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Akanji appealed to the Federal Government to seek international assistance where necessary to curb the infiltration of criminal elements into the country, and lamented the growing wave of violence targeting innocent citizens, especially children.

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The cleric stated that the development poses a moral and spiritual threat to the nation, and that the dimension of torturing innocent children in Nigeria is tantamount to insulting God who has a high regard for children.

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The Convention has commiserated with families who lost loved ones in the attack and assured the government of its cooperation in efforts aimed at securing the safe release of those abducted.

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Rev. Dr Israel Adelani Akanji called on all Baptists and Nigerians of goodwill to intensify prayers for the quick and safe release of all captives and for lasting peace in the nation.