The Interim National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and leading Oyo State gubernatorial aspirant for the 2027 general elections, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The unfortunate incident, which occurred last Thursday, saw armed bandits invade schools in the Ahoro-Esiele axis near Ogbomoso, leaving the state in deep mourning following reports of the brutal killing of innocent educators and the abduction of helpless children.
In a statement signed by his Personal Assistant, Bamitale Ibrahim, Ambassador Arapaja strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a devastating blow to the peace of Oyo State and the future of education in the region.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Oriire, Ogbomoso, and the entire state.
“Our hearts bleed for the innocent teachers who lost their lives in this barbaric assault, and we stand in solidarity with the traumatized families whose children and loved ones are still held in captivity,” Arapaja said.
The gubernatorial hopeful urgently charged the government and security agencies to scale up tactical operations and intelligence gathering to locate the kidnappers’ hideouts and ensure the immediate, safe release of all hostages.
Ambassador Arapaja concluded with a solemn prayer for the safe return of the victims, while supplicating to God to restore absolute peace and permanently end the wave of insecurity, banditry, and kidnappings plaguing Nigeria.
