The South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) has called for improved security in border communities to protect residents and prevent a recurrence of the Oriire abduction.
The abducted school pupils and teachers were rescued on Friday by combined efforts of military and paramilitary personnel after six months in captivity.
The guild, in a statement on Sunday by its chairman Bisi Oladele and Public Relations Officer Remi Oladoye, commended President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and security forces for their heroic role in securing the release of the over 40 school children and teachers kidnapped in schools in Oriire Local Government of Oyo State.
The guild described the successful operation as a testament to the importance of political will, and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling insecurity.
The publishers’ guild particularly applauded the gallantry, resilience and professionalism displayed by the security agencies throughout the rescue operation, noting that their commitment restored hope to the affected families and the people of Oyo State.
SWEGOP sympathised with families of fallen security personnel and residents who lost loved ones during the unfortunate incident and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
The guild pointed out that series of abductions by terrorists have left a pattern of targeting border communities where there is poor security, poor telephone and internet service, poor road access and easy route of escape from Nigeria to neighbouring countries.
It called on government at all levels to adopt the same manner of cooperation among security agencies, community leaders and non-state actors in securing vulnerable residents of border communities.
The guild urged both the Federal and Oyo State governments to sustain investments in intelligence gathering, surveillance, rapid response and community policing to ensure that schools are safe for teaching and learning.
SWEGOP reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote peace, public safety and the protection of lives and property across the South-West and Nigeria at large.
