ACOE Urges FG to Intensify Rescue of Abducted Oyo, Borno Students
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ACOE Urges FG to Intensify Rescue of Abducted Oyo, Borno Students
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Association of Corporate Online Editors, ACOE has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue students and teachers recently abducted by terrorists in Oyo and Borno states, as well as other victims still in captivity across the country.
The association made the appeal in a statement issued on Saturday by its Chairman, Sola Akingboye, expressing concern over the recurring attacks on schools and the growing insecurity confronting educational institutions in Nigeria.
ACOE also expressed solidarity with the families, teachers and management of the three affected schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and the Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, Borno State, describing the incidents as disturbing.
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According to the association, the continued targeting of schools threatens the nation’s future and undermines the right of children to education.
“We stand in total solidarity with the traumatised parents, the dedicated teachers and the affected school communities during this incredibly dark and painful period,” Akingboye said.
“No parent should ever have to experience the agony of sending a child to school, only to wait in weeks of silence and agonising uncertainty. The mental and psychological toll on these families is unimaginable.”
The association recalled the abduction of students in Oriire, Oyo State, which has left families without information for weeks, as well as the recent attack on candidates writing the National Examinations Council examinations, NECO in Lassa, Borno State.
It urged the Federal Government to deploy all available resources to secure the safe return of the victims.
“We are calling on the Federal Government and all relevant security authorities to act with the highest sense of urgency.
“The intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations must be intensified and sustained until every single child, teacher and citizen currently held in terrorist enclaves across Nigeria is safely reunited with their loved ones. Security agencies must move swiftly to restore the confidence of citizens in the safety of our schools,” Akingboye added.
The association also extended its sympathy to other victims of terrorism and banditry across the country, pledging that the corporate online media would continue to advocate justice, transparency and the protection of lives.
