NAPPS S’West Condemns Abduction Of Teachers, Pupils At Ahoro Esinele, Threatens Protest If Victims Remain In Captivity
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN —- THE Southwest Zone of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has condemned the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as a direct attack on education and societal development, particularly on future leaders.
In a statement signed by the Southwest President of NAPPS, Comrade Deji Olatona, the association expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity affecting schools and communities across Nigeria as a whole.
According to the association, the abduction was an unfortunate attempt to weaken the educational system in Nigeria, which it described as a legacy and a critical tool for national development.
NAPPS called on governors of the six Southwest states, traditional rulers, and prominent leaders in the region to collaborate in tackling the issue of insecurity, particularly in border communities and rural areas vulnerable to criminal activities.
The association noted that this incident should the more reason for the need for greater unity and collective action among stakeholders to protect lives and property. It urged security agencies and governments at all levels to take proactive measures to safeguard both private and public schools across the country.
“We say no more to terrorism, abduction and the brutal killing of our cherished ones,” the statement declared, while expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.
NAPPS further described the attack on schools as barbaric and strange to the values and culture of the people, adding that the association would continue to pray and advocate for the safe release of all those currently in captivity .
The association, however, warned that if the abducted teachers and pupils are not released by June 10, 2026, proprietors, staff, and students of NAPPS schools across the Southwest would embark on peaceful protests in major cities across the region.
The planned demonstrations, according to the association, would involve marches to state Houses of Assembly and government offices in the six Southwest states to demand urgent action from authorities.
NAPPS concluded by praying for the safety of schools and the speedy release of all pupils, students, and teachers still in captivity.