The Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to immediately intensify efforts to secure the release of students and teachers abducted in Oyo and Borno states, warning that persistent attacks on schools threaten Nigeria’s future.
In a statement issued over the weekend, ACOE Chairman, Sola Akingboye, expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with the families of the victims, teachers and management of the three affected schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Borno State.
The association described the abductions as a tragic reminder of the growing insecurity facing educational institutions across the country, stressing that children should never become targets while pursuing their education.
“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.
“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 recalled the abduction in Oriire, Oyo State, which has left families searching for answers for several weeks, and the recent attack on students sitting for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations in Lassa, Borno State.
The online editors’ body urged the Federal Government to deploy every available security asset to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and all other Nigerians still being held by terrorists and bandits across the country.
According to the association, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations should be strengthened and sustained until every abducted student, teacher and citizen is safely reunited with their families.
“The intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations must be intensified and sustained until every single child, teacher and citizen currently held in terrorist enclaves across Nigeria is safely reunited with their loved ones. Security agencies must move swiftly to restore the confidence of citizens in the safety of our schools,” Akingboye stated.
ACOE also extended its thoughts and prayers to other victims of terrorism and banditry nationwide, reaffirming the commitment of the corporate online media to continue advocating justice, transparency and the protection of lives through responsible journalism.
