The leading governorship aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 election, Barrister Chief Niyi Aborisade, has faulted the handling of security challenges in the state following the shocking attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, which left an assistant headmaster dead and several pupils and teachers abducted.

Aborisade described the incident as a disturbing development and a painful reminder of the growing insecurity confronting residents across parts of Oyo State.

Reacting to reports of the coordinated attack on three schools in Yawota and Esiele communities, the ADC chieftain said the incident came to him as a rude shock, expressing sympathy with families affected by the tragedy.

“The news on 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.

The governorship hopeful stated that no society can make meaningful progress when schools, which ought to be safe environments for learning, become targets of criminal attacks.

According to him, the killing of an education officer and the reported abduction of pupils, including minors, represent a dangerous signal capable of creating fear among parents and discouraging confidence in the educational system.

He stressed that the security of lives and property remains the first responsibility of any government, adding that the increasing reports of kidnapping and violent attacks in parts of Oyo State have raised serious concerns among residents.

Aborisade maintained that the present trend suggests that criminal activities are becoming more frequent and emboldened, warning that government authorities must not treat such developments with indifference.

“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.

He further argued that as the Chief Security Officer of the state, Governor Seyi Makinde carries a moral responsibility to intensify efforts aimed at tackling insecurity.

Aborisade said there was an urgent need for stronger intelligence gathering, strategic collaboration among security agencies, and improved surveillance around vulnerable communities, especially rural settlements located near forests and isolated areas.

According to him, the attack on Oriire once again exposed security gaps in remote communities where residents continue to face challenges associated with delayed emergency response and inadequate security presence.

He noted that schools in rural communities require special protection considering the vulnerability of children and teaching personnel.

He called on the state government to immediately review its security architecture and consider the establishment of additional security formations in communities considered flashpoints.

“Things must change to allay the fears and tension currently spreading across Oyo State. Citizens deserve to sleep with their eyes closed and send their children to school without fear of abduction,” he said.

Aborisade also appealed to security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of all victims still in captivity.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing timely information capable of preventing future occurrences.

The ADC governorship aspirant further called for a comprehensive review of rural security strategies, insisting that preventing future attacks should receive the same urgency as rescuing victims.

The attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area had thrown affected communities into panic after armed men reportedly stormed the schools, killed an assistant headmaster, abducted pupils and teachers, and escaped through nearby forest routes.

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

This development has continued to generate reactions from political stakeholders and residents amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the state.