APC chieftain condemns school abductions, urges stronger security measures

APC chieftain, Tolu Bankole. Photo Credit: X | (APC Nigeria)

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and member of the party’s National Working Committee, Tolu Bankole, has condemned the recent abductions of pupils, teachers and school administrators in parts of the country. Bankole also called for urgent and coordinated action to secure the release of all victims and strengthen security around schools. In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, Bankole described the recent kidnappings in Oyo and Borno states, as well as attacks reported in other parts of the country, as “barbaric, criminal and unacceptable.” He said schools should remain safe environments for learning and not become targets for criminal activities. “The abduction of pupils, teachers and school administrators in different parts of the country is barbaric, criminal and unacceptable. Schools must remain sanctuaries of learning, not killing fields for bandits and terrorists,” he said. Bankole expressed concern over what he described as a recurring pattern of attacks on educational institutions during periods leading up to general elections, citing reports from security monitoring organisations. According to him, incidents such as the abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, Dapchi, Kankara, Jangebe and attacks on educational institutions in several states occurred during periods preceding national elections. He said the recent incidents in Oyo, Borno and other states appeared to follow a similar trend. “This pattern suggests criminals exploit political distraction and security fatigue. Nigerians cannot afford another election cycle stained by the blood of innocent children,” he stated. The APC chieftain called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue all abducted students and teachers and improve protection for vulnerable communities. “I call on the Nigerian security apparatus to do more to protect the lives and property of citizens. The Tinubu administration has made huge investments in our security architecture through the procurement of equipment, welfare packages and operational funding. Nigerians deserve to see commensurate results. “Security agencies must justify this investment by intensifying action to bring all abducted students and their teachers back home alive and unharmed. This cannot continue. It must stop,” he said. Related News North gets over 60% of Tinubu’s legacy road projects, says Umahi State police constitutional framework near completion, says Presidency UN demands release of pupils, teachers abducted in Oyo, Borno Bankole urged security chiefs to launch