Oyo School Attack: Regulate Influx of People, Okada Riders, NBA Urges Makinde

The Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan Branch, has urged Governor Seyi Makinde to take urgent security measures following the abduction of teachers and students in Oyo State.

The call was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the branch chairman, Ibrahim Lawal, amid rising concerns over insecurity in parts of the state.

The NBA specifically urged the government to regulate the influx of people into the state and also monitor the activities of commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, to verify the identities of operators.

The association further called on both the federal and state governments to intensify efforts toward the rescue of abducted teachers and students from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The victims were reportedly taken during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in the early hours of the incident.

The NBA described the attack as a “barbarism” that must not be allowed to take root in communities that were previously peaceful, warning that repeated failures to address insecurity could embolden criminal elements.

The association urged authorities to move beyond what it described as routine statements and take concrete action to secure lives and property.

It also called for increased scrutiny of forest reserves, which it said may be serving as hideouts for criminal groups operating in the region.

The NBA warned that failure to act decisively could push communities toward self-help measures, which could further worsen security challenges.

It stressed the need for coordinated action between security agencies and government at all levels to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.

The association expressed concern over what it described as slow and insufficient response to the rescue efforts, urging authorities to act with greater urgency and transparency.

According to the NBA, the protection of citizens remains the core responsibility of government, and any delay in addressing the crisis undermines public trust and safety.