By Marvellous Nyang
May 30, 2026
ABUJA — The Nigerian Baptist Convention, NBC, has condemned the mass abduction of pupils, teachers and residents in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, warning that Nigerians are running out of patience as insecurity continues to spread across the country.
The Convention expressed deep concern over the kidnapping of 46 persons, including pupils, students, teachers and a two year old child, during coordinated attacks on schools and surrounding communities in Oriire LGA.
The victims were reportedly abducted when armed men invaded Community High School, Ahoro Esinle, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, throwing the affected communities into panic and grief.
Reacting to the development, NBC President, Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji, described the incident as heartbreaking, unacceptable and a painful reminder of the growing threat posed by kidnappers and other criminal groups operating across the country.
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In a statement issued on his behalf by Rev. Ebenezer Durodola, the Baptist leader lamented the continued targeting of innocent children, teachers and communities by armed criminals.
He expressed particular concern over the condition of the abducted children, including a two year old girl, who are reportedly being held in the forest under harsh conditions.
“We are particularly grieved by the condition of the children and the toddler who are being innocently held captive in the bush and exposed daily to rainfall and harsh weather without any shelter or cover,” the statement said.
Akanji noted that the latest attack has once again exposed the vulnerability of schools and learning environments to criminal attacks despite repeated assurances by authorities.
He recalled previous attacks on Baptist institutions, including the abduction of students from Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna State, stressing that the country cannot continue to witness repeated tragedies without decisive action.
According to him, many Nigerians are becoming frustrated by the persistent wave of terrorism, banditry and kidnappings that continue to claim lives and disrupt education and economic activities.
“Nigerians, particularly the Church, are running out of patience and cannot continue to watch while lives and properties are being daily wasted,” he said.
The NBC President called for urgent and comprehensive security reforms to address the growing insecurity across the country.
He renewed the Convention’s support for the establishment of state police, arguing that localised policing would improve intelligence gathering, community engagement and rapid response to security threats.
Akanji also urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence based operations and adopt more proactive measures to prevent attacks before they occur.
Beyond conventional security approaches, there are increasing calls from security experts and advocacy groups for the deployment of advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, facial recognition systems, digital surveillance tools and cyber intelligence platforms to help track criminal networks and improve national security coordination.
The Convention further appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to strengthen community vigilance and support lawful efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.
While acknowledging efforts by security agencies, the Baptist leader urged President Bola Tinubu to take more decisive and coordinated action to secure schools, communities and places of worship across the country.
He stressed that the rescue of the abducted victims should remain an immediate national priority.
The abduction has sparked outrage among residents, religious groups and education stakeholders, with growing demands for the safe and unconditional release of all those held captive by the attackers.
The incident is one of the most troubling school related kidnappings recorded in Oyo State in recent years and has renewed concerns about the safety of students and teachers in vulnerable communities.
