ACOE Urges Swift Rescue of Kidnapped Oyo, Borno Students

The Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue students and teachers abducted in recent attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states, as well as other victims still being held by terrorists across the country.

In a statement issued at the weekend by its Chairman, Sola Akingboye, the association expressed solidarity with the families, teachers and management of the three affected schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Borno State.

The body of online publishers described the attacks as a disturbing reminder of the security challenges facing educational institutions, warning that assaults on schools threaten the future of the nation’s children.

“We stand in total solidarity with the traumatised parents, the dedicated teachers and the affected school communities during this incredibly dark and painful period,” Akingboye said.

He added: “No parent should ever have to experience the agony of sending a child to school, only to wait in weeks of silence and agonising uncertainty. The mental and psychological toll on these families is unimaginable.”

ACOE noted that the abduction in Oriire, Oyo State, had left affected families without answers for several weeks, while the recent attack on candidates writing the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination in Lassa, Borno State, further underscored the need for stronger protection of schools.

The association urged the Federal Government to deploy all available security resources to secure the release of the victims and prevent further attacks on educational institutions.

“We are calling on the Federal Government and all relevant security authorities to act with the highest sense of urgency,” Akingboye said.

According to him, intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance operations should be strengthened and sustained until all students, teachers and other Nigerians held by terrorists are safely reunited with their families.

He stressed that security agencies must act swiftly to restore public confidence in the safety of schools across the country.

The association also extended its sympathy to other victims of banditry and terrorism nationwide, pledging that the corporate online media would continue to advocate justice, transparency and the protection of lives.