The Oyo State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the abduction and alleged killing of victims in the recent attack on Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as “callous, wicked and barbaric.”
In a statement issued on Monday by the State Secretary of MURIC, Amb. Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, the group alleged that the death toll from the incident had risen to three.
According to the organisation, a teacher and a commercial motorcyclist were reportedly killed during the abduction, while another abducted teacher was allegedly beheaded in captivity by the kidnappers.
MURIC said a disturbing video purportedly released by the abductors, showing the execution of the teacher, highlighted the growing brutality of criminal elements operating across the country.
The group lamented what it described as the worsening security situation in many parts of Nigeria, warned that schools and rural communities were increasingly becoming unsafe.
“It is a tragic reminder of the deteriorating security situation in many parts of the country. Schools are no longer safe. Rural communities are under siege,” the statement said.
The organisation commiserated with the families of the deceased, the management of Community High School, residents of Ahoro-Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area, and the government and people of Oyo State over the tragedy.
MURIC also cautioned against politicising or giving the incident ethnic or religious interpretation, noting that the abducted pupils were mostly Muslims while many of the teachers were Christians.
“Criminality knows no religion. An attack on one innocent Nigerian is an attack on all,” the group stated.
The organisation acknowledged efforts by the Oyo State Government and security agencies, including the reported arrest of suspects linked to the attack.
It also sympathised with security personnel, including operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network and local vigilantes, who reportedly lost their lives during rescue operations after encountering improvised explosive devices allegedly planted by the abductors.
MURIC, however, insisted that urgent action was required to secure the release of the remaining captives.
The group called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps and other security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and surveillance operations to ensure the safe rescue of those still in captivity.
The organisation further urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive security audit of vulnerable schools and rural communities across Oyo State to prevent future attacks.
MURIC also called for decisive action against local collaborators, informants and logistics suppliers allegedly aiding kidnappers within communities.
The group prayed for comfort for the bereaved families, speedy recovery for injured security personnel and the safe return of all abducted victims.
