The Nigerian Bar Association has called on the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to urgently secure the release of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the NBA Ibadan Branch, Ibrahim Lawal, the association condemned what it described as the “savagery” unleashed on the Orire community in Ogbomoso, lamenting the continued captivity of the victims more than ten days after the incident.
The NBA expressed dissatisfaction with what it termed the slow pace of rescue efforts, noting that the “deafening silence” surrounding government actions had failed to inspire public confidence.
While acknowledging the need for security agencies to keep operational details away from public scrutiny, the association stressed that the government must demonstrate seriousness and urgency in tackling the situation.
The lawyers’ body warned against allowing the attack to become another unresolved case of violent crime, insisting that those behind the abduction, including their sponsors, must be identified and brought to justice.
The NBA further urged the Oyo State Government to adopt proactive security measures to protect lives and property across the state. It called for stricter regulation of commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, and raised concerns over the influx of unidentified persons into the state.
According to the association, forest reserves across the state should also be thoroughly combed to flush out criminal elements hiding within them.
The NBA warned that persistent attacks on communities could push residents toward self-help if the government fails to act decisively.
Reiterating that the welfare and security of citizens remain the primary responsibility of government, the association appealed to both federal and state authorities to expedite efforts toward the safe return of the abducted victims.
