By Victoria Attah, Correspondent
The Child and Youth Protection Foundation (CYPF) has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing it as a disturbing escalation in violence targeting educational institutions and vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
The attack, which reportedly left a school headmaster dead and several students and staff abducted, has renewed concerns over the safety of schools and the growing vulnerability of rural communities to armed assaults.
According to reports, armed assailants invaded schools in the Ahoro-Esinle community, storming Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele. The attackers were said to have arrived on motorcycles and carried out coordinated attacks before escaping with victims.
Reacting to the incident, the Chief Executive Officer and National Coordinator of CYPF, Mr. Kolawole Olatosimi, said the attack represents a direct assault on children, education, and community stability, warning that schools are increasingly being targeted by armed groups.
He stressed that the continued attacks on educational institutions pose a serious threat to national development, social cohesion, and the future of children, adding that no child should be subjected to learning under fear or insecurity.
Olatosimi extended condolences to the families of those killed and abducted, while expressing solidarity with affected communities, school authorities, teachers, parents, and students impacted by the incident. He described the situation as a national emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action from government and security agencies to prevent further attacks on schools.
The organisation called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts toward the immediate rescue of all abducted victims and ensure their safe return.
It also urged the Oyo State Government to strengthen security around schools, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities where educational facilities remain exposed.
CYPF further appealed to community leaders, civil society organisations, and stakeholders to support community-based intelligence gathering and early warning systems to prevent future attacks.
The group insisted that perpetrators of the attack must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted without delay, warning that continued impunity would embolden further violence against schools.
It reiterated that education must remain a safe and protected space, free from fear, violence, and intimidation, stressing that safeguarding schools is critical to securing Nigeria’s future.
