HURIWA Gives Tinubu 24-Hour Ultimatum Over Oyo School Hostages

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a stern challenge to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding the rescue of dozens of teachers and schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State within 24 hours or face what it described as the consequences of failing in his constitutional duty to protect citizens.

The rights group, in a statement signed on Saturday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, expressed outrage that more than two weeks after the mass abduction in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, the victims were still being held by their captors.

The kidnapping occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked schools in the Ahoro-Esinle community of Oriire Local Government Area, targeting Community Grammar School, L.A. Primary School and other educational facilities.

Initial reports indicated that dozens of pupils and seven teachers were abducted, while a teacher was later killed in captivity. Security agencies subsequently launched rescue operations, while several suspects were arrested over alleged links to the attack.

Despite those efforts, many of the victims remain in captivity, triggering growing public anger and a series of protests by teachers, residents and civil society groups across Oyo State.

In recent days, members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and other concerned citizens staged demonstrations in Ibadan, demanding urgent government action to secure the release of the abductees. The National Association of Nigerian Students has also announced plans for a solidarity protest.

Reacting to the situation, HURIWA described the prolonged captivity of the schoolchildren and their teachers as a national tragedy and a damning verdict on the country’s security system.

“It is sad that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was shown during the last Sallah holiday to be enjoying the religious ceremony with his equally happy grandchildren, but it is timely to remind the President that the Oyo State children held in bondage as hostages of heartless terrorists and killers are our own children,” the group stated.

According to HURIWA, every additional hour the victims spend in captivity deepens the anguish of their families and raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of the government’s security response.

The organisation said the disturbing images and reports emerging from the kidnappers’ camps should have prompted the declaration of a national emergency, insisting that official assurances had so far failed to produce tangible results.

HURIWA consequently called on Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of all abducted teachers and pupils before 2 p.m. on Saturday.

“The continued captivity of these victims raises profound questions about the effectiveness of the nation’s security response and the government’s ability to fulfil its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property,” the group said.

Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, HURIWA stressed that the security and welfare of Nigerians remain the primary purpose of government and argued that no administration can legitimately demand public confidence while innocent schoolchildren remain in the hands of armed criminals for weeks.

The group threw its weight behind the protests organised by teachers, parents and civil society organisations in Ibadan, describing the demonstrations as a justified response to an unacceptable situation.

HURIWA also criticised what it called the insufficient national response from organised labour and education stakeholders, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Nigeria Union of Teachers, saying the abduction of educators and pupils should have sparked sustained nationwide advocacy.

The association further expressed disappointment with what it termed the muted reaction of student bodies across the country, arguing that the kidnapping of schoolchildren constituted a direct attack on education and the future of Nigeria.

It urged civil society organisations, professional bodies, religious groups and community leaders to intensify lawful pressure on authorities until every abducted child and teacher regains freedom.

“The tears of the parents, the fears of the teachers, and the suffering of the kidnapped children demand urgent action—not routine statements,” HURIWA declared.

The group warned against allowing the incident to fade from public attention, insisting that Nigeria must not become desensitised to mass abductions and prolonged hostage situations involving schoolchildren.

Meanwhile, security agencies continue search-and-rescue operations as anxiety mounts among families awaiting the return of their loved ones.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, had earlier confirmed the abduction and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the victims’ release, while federal authorities have also pledged support for the operation.

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