NBC Raises Alarm Over Abduction of 46 in Oyo

The Nigerian Baptist Convention has condemned the abduction of 46 persons, including schoolchildren and a two-year-old toddler, during attacks by suspected terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement issued on Friday by Rev. Ebenezer Durodola on behalf of NBC President Israel Adelani Akanji, the Convention described the incident as a disturbing reflection of worsening insecurity in Nigeria.

According to the NBC, the victims included seven teachers and 39 pupils abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School during coordinated attacks on the communities.

Among those kidnapped was a two-year-old girl identified as Christianah Akanbi, while the attackers also reportedly stole four motorcycles belonging to residents.

The Convention expressed concern over the condition of the abducted children, especially the toddler, who it said were being exposed to harsh weather conditions while held in captivity.

“We are particularly grieved by the condition of the children and the toddler who are being innocently held captive in the bush and exposed daily to rainfall and harsh weather without any shelter or cover,” Akanji said.

The cleric added that some teachers reportedly lost their lives during the attack, while survivors were enduring severe hardship in captivity.

Akanji described the incident as part of a growing pattern of attacks on churches, schools and communities nationwide, recalling the 2021 abduction of students from Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna State.

“Nigerians, particularly the Church, are running out of patience and cannot continue to watch while lives and properties are being daily wasted,” he stated.

The Convention urged both federal and state governments to adopt stronger and more coordinated security strategies against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

It also renewed calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralised policing would improve local intelligence gathering and strengthen security responses.

According to Akanji, state police formations should be adequately equipped with sophisticated weapons capable of confronting armed groups.

The NBC further appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society organisations to support grassroots security initiatives while urging the Federal Government to seek international assistance where necessary.

“The dimension of torturing innocent children in Nigeria is tantamount to insulting God who has a high regard for children,” Akanji said.

The Convention expressed sympathy with affected families and called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for the safe release of all abducted victims.