Oyo and Borno Kidnappings: 'No country can prosper when its youth are targeted' — Gbenga Hashim

Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has spoken out against the recent wave of violence targeting schools, with former presidential candidate Dr Gbenga Hashim condemning the abduction of schoolchildren in Borno State and coordinated attacks on schools in Oyo State.

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These incidents, which occurred at Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State and several schools in Oyo State's Oriire Local Government Area, have heightened concerns about the growing insecurity surrounding schools and the vulnerability of rural communities to armed attacks.

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In a statement issued on Monday, Dr Hashim described the attacks as a 'brutal assault' on Nigeria's future, calling for a swift and urgent national response to protect schoolchildren and reassure frightened families and communities.

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Dr Hashim emphasized that schools should never become places of fear, warning that repeated attacks on educational institutions could exacerbate insecurity and leave lasting scars across generations.

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The schools affected in Oyo State include Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Esiele, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all located within the Ogbomosho axis.

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Dr Hashim urged the Federal Government and security agencies to swiftly secure the safe rescue of the abducted children, highlighting that the attacks have once again exposed weaknesses in Nigeria's rural security structure.

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According to Dr Hashim, the attacks demonstrate that armed groups continue to exploit poor state presence and unprotected communities, and he cautioned that tactical victories alone cannot secure the nation.

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He stressed that military gains would have limited impact without stronger intelligence coordination, tighter border control, expanded rural security, and targeted support for vulnerable communities.

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Dr Hashim also warned the international community not to ignore the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria, cautioning that the crisis could spill beyond Nigeria into the wider West and Central African region.

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He emphasized that the world must not become desensitized to the situation, and he also expressed sympathy with the affected families, warning that repeated attacks on schools are steadily eroding confidence in education and public safety.

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Dr Hashim noted that no nation can thrive when its children are hunted and its schools are under siege, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the crisis.