The Nigerian Baptist Convention has condemned the brutal attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where suspected terrorists abducted teachers and students, leaving communities in fear and mourning.

Speaking in Ibadan on Friday, the President of the Convention, Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji, described the incident as heartbreaking and another grim reminder of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, warning that churches and citizens are “running out of patience” as lives continue to be lost and communities repeatedly targeted.

He expressed deep anguish over the fate of the abducted victims, including teachers, students, and a toddler, saying they are currently being held in harsh bush conditions without shelter or protection.

“Nigerians, particularly the Church, are running out of patience and cannot continue to watch while lives and properties are being daily wasted,” Akanji said.

According to him, some teachers were killed during the attack, while those kidnapped are enduring severe hardship in captivity. He added that the latest incident fits into a disturbing pattern of repeated assaults on churches, schools, and rural communities across Nigeria.

The Convention recalled previous tragedies, including the 2021 abduction of 120 students and a matron from Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna State, describing it as one of the most painful experiences in its history.

Akanji lamented that despite repeated appeals, insecurity continues to escalate, forcing families and institutions into trauma, ransom payments, and prolonged fear.

He called on all levels of government to move beyond statements and take urgent, coordinated action to end the crisis.

“This crisis requires coordinated and decisive action beyond mere statements,” he said, urging security agencies to adopt more modern and effective strategies.

He also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society groups to take active roles in community security, stressing that “local ownership of security is critical at this time.”

The cleric further called for international support where necessary and renewed advocacy for state police, arguing that Nigeria needs better-structured and well-equipped security frameworks to confront insurgency and banditry.

Drawing a biblical parallel, Akanji said Nigeria resembles the wounded man in the story of the Jerusalem–Jericho road (Luke 10), describing the nation as “wounded, bleeding and dying.”

He strongly condemned the targeting of children, warning that those responsible for harming innocent lives are committing an offence against God.

“Instead of offending little children, it would be better for such an offender to tie a millstone around his neck and be drowned in the sea,” he said, citing scripture.

The Convention commiserated with bereaved families and prayed for the safe return of all abducted victims, while assuring the government of its support in rescue efforts.

According to verified community accounts, 46 persons were abducted, including seven teachers and 39 students from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School. A two-year-old child, identified as Christianah Akanbi, was also among those taken, while four motorcycles were reportedly stolen during the attack.

As the search for the victims continues, the Convention has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for their safe release and for lasting peace across the country. (Sunday Tribune, excluding headline)

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