Private school owners in Oyo State have called for urgent and decisive security intervention following the recent wave of abductions affecting teachers and pupils in parts of Ogbomoso axis, warning that schools are becoming increasingly unsafe for learning and teaching.
The appeal was made under the umbrella of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) during a special prayer and intercession programme held by private school operators across the five local government areas in the Ogbomoso zone.
The emotional gathering, held in Ibadan, saw education stakeholders, school administrators, and proprietors unite in prayer for the safe return of abducted victims and for improved security across school environments in rural communities.
The association expressed deep concern over the rising attacks on educational institutions, particularly following the coordinated abductions recorded at Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area.
Speaking on behalf of the association, key officials including the District Secretary, Olawale Ojewumi, the Public Relations Officer, Tope Olaniyan, and the District Chairperson, Bosede Ajala, described the situation as alarming and capable of undermining confidence in Nigeria’s education system.
They stressed that the persistent targeting of schools has created widespread fear among parents, teachers, and school owners, with many now worried about the safety of children in learning environments.
“The disturbing wave of attacks on schools has created fear among parents, teachers and school owners,” the association said, calling for urgent intervention from government and security agencies.
NAPPS urged the Federal Government, the state government, and security operatives to strengthen security architecture around schools, especially those located in rural and vulnerable communities where response time is often slow.
“Schools should remain safe environments for learning and not become targets for criminal elements,” the association emphasized.
The group further called for the deployment of modern surveillance technology, improved intelligence gathering, and rapid response systems to prevent future attacks and ensure the swift rescue of abducted victims.
According to the association, only a combination of proactive security measures and community engagement can restore public trust in the safety of schools across the region.
NAPPS also appealed for unity among stakeholders, urging school proprietors, parents, religious leaders, and community members to collaborate in both prayer and advocacy to protect educational institutions.
“This is not the burden of one school alone. An attack on one school is an attack on all schools,” the association warned, stressing the collective responsibility of safeguarding education.
The group concluded by praying for the safe return of all abducted victims and for comfort for families affected by the attacks, as insecurity continues to cast a shadow over schooling activities in parts of South-West Nigeria.
