Abuja: Chief Oliver Ityohegh, the International President of De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), a non-governmental organization, has called for the rescue of the abducted schoolchildren in Oyo. Ityohegh made the call in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday concerning the recent abduction of some school children and their teachers in Oyo. He raised serious concern over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, particularly the persistent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in parts of the country.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ityohegh described the recurring attacks on schools and educational institutions as a direct assault on Nigeria’s future, warning that no nation can attain sustainable development when its children live in fear. He reiterated the calls for the safety of school children and condemned the act of denying children access to safe learning environments. Ityohegh emphasized that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property as well as the welfare of its citizens, as stipulated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The DNKI president expressed deep concern over the plight of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Kebbi, Kogi, and Oyo states. Ityohegh specifically condemned the reported abduction of about 45 schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo, describing the incident as tragic and unacceptable. He denounced the reported killing and beheading of one of the teachers by the abductors, describing the act as a gross violation of human dignity.
Ityohegh urged the Federal Government and security agencies to deploy all available intelligence, technology, and operational resources toward securing the release of all abducted victims and ensuring that perpetrators of such crimes are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted. He commended the Federal Government for ongoing efforts aimed at reforming the nation’s security architecture and advancing discussions on the establishment of State Police. However, he noted that the process appears to be progressing too slowly given the urgent security challenges confronting the country.
Ityohegh appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct all stakeholders involved in the state police initiative to fast-track the legislative and administrative procedures necessary for its implementation. He remarked on the delays in implementing critical security reforms, which continue to leave millions of Nigerians, particularly children, vulnerable to kidnappers and other criminal elements. Additionally, Ityohegh called on President Tinubu to consider declaring a State of Emergency on Security to galvanize a coordinated national response.
He also questioned the apparent inability of security agencies to apprehend notorious kidnappers despite instances where videos of abducted victims have surfaced publicly. The DNKI president maintained that Nigerians deserved not only answers but visible results in the fight against insecurity. He urged traditional rulers, community leaders, religious institutions, civil society organizations, and citizens to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely intelligence to prevent criminal activities.
Ityohegh reaffirmed DNKI’s commitment to promoting peace, justice, and national unity while expressing solidarity with families whose loved ones remain in captivity. He emphasized that securing Nigerian children is not merely a security obligation but a moral responsibility that will determine the country’s future stability and prosperity.