According to the statement, members of the association joined other Nigerians in condemning “unequivocally, the savagery visited by some criminals on the quiet community of Orire in Ogbomoso.”
The NBA described the incident involving teachers and pupils as heartbreaking, praying for the repose of the souls of those who reportedly lost their lives in the attack.
The association, however, expressed dissatisfaction over what it described as the slow pace of the rescue mission, noting that more than ten days after the incident, there had been no significant breakthrough publicly communicated by the authorities.
“The NBA would like to register deep displeasure at the seeming tardiness associated with the government rescue mission since this unfortunate incident occurred over ten days ago,” the statement read.
“It is reasonable to expect that this latest assault on civility will be confronted headlong. The deafening silence attending the activities aimed at liberating the captives does not inspire hope.”
The legal body further stated that although security agencies may be strategically withholding operational details from the public, the prolonged silence from government officials had become disturbing.
“We shudder to imagine the horrible experiences to which the victims are being subjected at the moment,” the association added.
The NBA warned that such acts of criminality must not be allowed to thrive in what was once considered a peaceful environment, stressing that perpetrators and their sponsors must be identified and brought to justice.
It urged both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to move beyond what it termed “ineffectual reactions” to worsening insecurity across the country.
“This is not the time when functionaries of government present bland platitudes as reassurance,” the statement said.
“The good people of Oyo State anticipate an acceptable resolution to the current disruption of peace. They expect the return of the victims soon.”
The association also advised the Oyo State Government to adopt proactive security measures to curb rising criminal activities in the state.
Among its recommendations were stricter regulation of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, and closer monitoring of the influx of unidentified individuals into the state.
“The operations of commercial motorcyclists must be regulated vigorously. A suspension of their operations for a stipulated period to ascertain the identity of operators should be considered,” the statement noted.
It further called for thorough combing of forest reserves across the state to flush out criminal elements allegedly using such areas as hideouts.
The NBA warned that citizens might resort to self-help if criminals continued to operate freely without consequences.
“The ease with which criminals attack communities and escape justice should be a source of great concern to us all,” the statement added.
The association concluded by urging both federal and state authorities to expedite efforts toward the safe rescue and return of all victims, stressing that the welfare and security of citizens remain the primary responsibility of government.