Kidnapping Of Students A Sad Development” — Oba Ladoja Condemns Oriire School Abduction

Describing the incident, which occurred on Friday, as tragic and unacceptable, the monarch called for enhanced cooperation among security agencies, traditional rulers, and local vigilante groups to ensure the safe rescue of the kidnapped pupils.

This was contained in a statement released through his media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko.

Oba Ladoja also expressed sympathy with the families of the teacher and commercial motorcyclists who were reportedly killed during the attack.

He said the incident highlights the urgent need for collective action in addressing insecurity across the country.

According to him, the kidnapping of schoolchildren is a painful occurrence, especially given the efforts of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to safeguard lives and property in the state.

The monarch stressed that ensuring security should not rest solely on government, but must be seen as a shared responsibility among all stakeholders.

He urged the police and other security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and rescue the abducted pupils.

“The kidnapping of the students in Oriire Local Government Area is a sad development,” he said.

“It is high time that we all come together to address the issue of insecurity nationwide.

“The police and other security operatives must intensify their search for these students.

“Also, the local vigilante and the traditional rulers must collaborate with the security personnel to ensure that the kidnapped students return safely to their parents.”

Oba Ladoja further emphasized that traditional institutions and community security groups have key roles to play in supporting formal security structures, particularly in rural areas.

He urged community leaders to provide credible intelligence to assist ongoing operations to track down the attackers.

The monarch maintained that the immediate priority should be the safe return of the abducted pupils, while also calling on residents to remain calm as security agencies continue their rescue efforts.