A governorship aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, Barrister  Niyi Aborisade, has condemned the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the incident as unacceptable and a reflection of worsening insecurity in the state.

Aborisade, in a statement on Wednesday expressed concern over the coordinated attack on schools in Yawota and Esiele communities, which reportedly left an assistant headmaster dead while pupils and teachers were abducted by armed men.

The ADC chieftain described the incident as a painful reminder of the growing security challenges confronting residents across parts of Oyo State.

“The news of the abduction of school teachers and students in Oriire Local Government came to me as a rude shock. My heart goes to the family of the slain teacher, the abducted students and all families currently passing through trauma and uncertainty because of this unfortunate incident,” he said.

According to him, no society can achieve meaningful development when schools, which ought to be safe spaces for learning, become targets of criminal attacks.

He noted that the killing of an education officer and the reported abduction of pupils, including minors, could create fear among parents and undermine confidence in the educational system.

Aborisade stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, adding that the increasing cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in parts of the state have heightened public anxiety.

“As it is today, the Oyo State Government needs to do more in terms of the protection of lives and property. The wave of kidnappings and security breaches in Oyo State appears to be on the rise, and many citizens are beginning to express concern over the direction of things,” he stated.

The governorship hopeful argued that Governor Seyi Makinde, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, has a moral responsibility to intensify efforts aimed at addressing insecurity.

He called for stronger intelligence gathering, improved surveillance and strategic collaboration among security agencies, particularly in rural communities located around forest areas.

According to him, the attack exposed existing security gaps in remote communities where residents often face delayed emergency response and inadequate security presence.

Aborisade further urged the state government to review its security architecture and consider establishing additional security formations in vulnerable communities.

“Citizens deserve to sleep with their eyes closed and send their children to school without fear of abduction,” he added.

He also appealed to security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of victims still in captivity, while urging residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely information.

The attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area had triggered panic in affected communities after gunmen reportedly stormed the schools, killed an assistant headmaster and abducted pupils and teachers before escaping through nearby forest routes.

Security agencies have since launched rescue operations, while the Oyo State Government ordered the temporary closure of schools in affected local government areas.