The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, has called on the Oyo State Government and security agencies to ensure the rescue of the school pupils and teachers caught up in the abduction that occurred in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The Ibadan Branch of the legal body made the call in a press release, on Monday, just as it unequivocally condemned “the savagery visited by some criminals on the quiet community of Oriire in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.”
Oriire Abduction And The Call For Rescue Of Victims
The leadership and members of the legal association further stated in the release by the chairman, Ibrahim Lawal, Esq, that the kidnapping of the school pupils and their teachers was heart-wrenching and a big tragedy.
“It is heart-wrenching to rehash the gory details in the yet-to-be foreclosed tragedy which befell teachers and their pupils in the hands of these marauders. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.
“The NBA would like to register deep displeasure at the seeming tardiness associated with the government rescue mission since this unfortunate incident occurred for over 10 days now.
“It is reasonable to expect that this latest assault on civility will be confronted headlong. The deafening silence attending the activities aimed at liberating the captives does not inspire hope.
“We shudder to imagine the horrible experiences to which the victims are being subjected at the moment,” Lawal added in the release.
While expressing an understanding that keeping specific details about the tactics being adopted to rescue the school pupils and their teachers, the Association further stated that “the characteristic silence of the government has been disquieting.
“This barbarism must not be allowed to have a foothold in an erstwhile peaceful environment.
“We must not allow this latest incident to be added to the consistently growing list of unresolved horrendous crimes, perpetrated against the hapless people of this country.
“The perpetrators of this attack and their sponsors must be unmasked.”
The Association did not mince words as it tasked governments at all levels to act in earnest and confront the menace of kidnapping and abduction.
“The State must rise above characteristic but ineffectual reactions to grave acts of barbarism which assail our sensibilities.
“This is not the time when functionaries of government present bland platitudes as reassurance.
“The good people of Oyo State anticipate an acceptable foreclosure to the current disruption of peace. They expect the return of the victims soon.
“It is also pertinent to admonish the government of Oyo State to consider taking some proactive steps urgently with a view to protecting lives and property.
“The people will find self-help irresistible if criminals are allowed to take a stroll into their communities to perpetrate evil. The ease with which criminals attack communities and escape justice should be a source of great concern to us all.
This is not the time to allow partisan politics to compel complacent inaction, compromises and subterfuge.
“The Oyo State Government should take keen interest in the ceaseless influx of people into the state.
“The operations of commercial motorcyclists (Okada) must be regulated vigorously.
“Functionaries of government must see beyond revenue generation. A suspension of their operations for a stipulated period to ascertain the identity of the operators should be considered.
“The constant dumping of young people with no traceable links to residents of the state must be curbed, if we are to avert a looming danger.
“Forest reserves must be combed, thoroughly, to flush out all undesirable elements,” it was added in the release.
It also called on both the state and federal governments to “expedite action in ensuring the safe return of the victims,” adding, “The welfare of the people is the primary reason for the existence of any government.”
