RismadarVoice Reporters, May 18, 2026
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the recent abduction of schoolchildren, teachers and school officials during attacks on schools in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, warning that the spread of insecurity into previously peaceful regions poses a serious threat to national stability.
In a statement issued by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association described the broad daylight attacks on multiple schools as a troubling sign that criminal violence is expanding beyond traditional conflict zones and exposing children, educators and rural communities to growing danger.
CAN expressed concern that the continued inability to dismantle kidnapping and armed criminal networks was gradually normalising violence across the country.
“When children are hunted in classrooms, silence becomes complicity and delay becomes dangerous. Nigeria must act decisively to defeat these criminal networks before more innocent lives are destroyed,” Okoh stated.
The association described the incident as more than a routine security breach, calling it a national tragedy that should trigger urgent action from authorities.
“It is a national disgrace and a frightening reminder that organised criminal violence is spreading into parts of the country once considered relatively secure,” the statement added.
CAN also mourned victims of the attack, including an assistant headmaster reportedly killed while trying to protect pupils during the invasion.
“Their sacrifice must never be forgotten, and those responsible must be identified, apprehended and prosecuted without hesitation,” the association said.
The Christian body noted that many Nigerians were becoming frustrated with repeated assurances from authorities without visible improvements in security.
It warned that kidnappings and violent attacks, once largely associated with some northern parts of the country, are increasingly extending into the South-West and other regions.
According to CAN, distressing reports and images emerging from the affected communities reveal a painful reality that no society should accept.
“No parent should have to watch helplessly as their child is taken away by gunmen, and no teacher should have to choose between educating children and risking abduction or death,” the association stated.
CAN called on the Federal Government, security agencies and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the abducted victims and bringing those responsible to justice.
The association further urged authorities to strengthen school security initiatives and reclaim vulnerable rural communities and forest corridors from criminal groups.
It also expressed solidarity with affected families, school communities and residents of Oriire Local Government Area while offering prayers for the safe return of those still in captivity.
