The Oyo State Chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has strongly condemned the abduction of school children and teachers in parts of Oyo State, describing the incident and the subsequent brutal killing of one of the abducted teachers as a horrifying act of cruelty that has deeply shaken the conscience of society.
In a statement issued in Ibadan and signed by the Amirah of Oyo State FOMWAN, Dr. Lateefat Dairo, the association reiterated its commitment to advocating for the safety, welfare and protection of children and families across the state while expressing deep concern over the worsening security situation affecting communities and educational institutions.
Oyo FOMWAN expressed profound sorrow over the tragic development, particularly the reported beheading of one of the abducted teachers, a Mathematics teacher, whose gruesome killing has further heightened fear and anguish among residents of the state.
The association noted that the abduction of innocent children, including toddlers as young as two years old, alongside their teachers, and exposing them to fear, uncertainty and traumatic conditions in forests and remote areas, represents a dangerous and disturbing dimension of insecurity that must not be allowed to continue.
Speaking on the incident, the association described the acts as barbaric, wicked and completely inconsistent with religious teachings, moral values and the principles of humanity.
It called on those responsible to fear Allah and reflect deeply on the immeasurable pain and suffering they have inflicted upon innocent families and communities.
”No parent deserves the trauma of having a child or loved one subjected to such cruelty and criminality. Children are precious gifts from Allah entrusted to mankind for care, protection and nurturing, and should never become victims of violence or tools for criminal exploitation.”
The association also called on security agencies, the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts towards ensuring the immediate rescue of those still in captivity and bringing all perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice.
Furthermore, it urged parents, schools, religious institutions and communities to strengthen vigilance and collaborate more closely in protecting children and ensuring safer learning environments.
FOMWAN prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the deceased teacher, comfort for his family and loved ones, safety for those still in captivity and lasting peace and security across Oyo State and the nation at large.
