A senatorial aspirant for Osun Central under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Nathaniel Oduyemi, has urged parents across Nigeria to take extra precautions to protect their children as kidnappings of school pupils and teachers continue to rise nationwide.
In a statement issued on Monday, Oduyemi expressed concern over the escalating security crisis, emphasizing that attacks on schools represent a direct threat to the nation's future. He argued that the abduction of innocent children from schools, which should be safe learning environments, highlights the authorities' failure to effectively address insecurity.
Oduyemi noted that while kidnapping is not new in Nigeria, the increasing frequency and boldness of such attacks expose serious weaknesses in the government's security response. He stated: "The abduction of innocent pupils from schools that ought to be safe havens for learning is a tragic reminder that our nation is facing a grave security crisis. These attacks are not only assaults on the victims and their families; they are attacks on the future of our country. While kidnapping is unfortunately not new to Nigeria, the frequency, audacity, and scale of recent incidents have exposed the alarming weakness of the current administration's response to insecurity."
Oduyemi criticized the Federal Government for its lukewarm attitude, particularly regarding the kidnapping of school children in Ogbomosho. He noted that affected families and communities remain traumatized while awaiting decisive action. He warned against any perception that security responses are influenced by political considerations, stressing that every Nigerian child deserves equal protection regardless of location or political affiliation.
The senatorial hopeful also faulted the handling of recent federal interventions after the Ogbomosho incident, arguing that Nigerians expect coordinated action among all government levels rather than political gestures. He called on communities to strengthen local security arrangements and pay closer attention to children's safety.
Oduyemi appealed to President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate stronger leadership in addressing the country's security challenges. He urged the Federal Government to seek wider support, including collaboration with international partners, and to deploy all available resources and innovative strategies to combat criminal gangs and terrorist groups.
He warned that continued inaction could erode public confidence and push citizens toward self-help, with potential consequences for national peace and stability. Oduyemi urged the President to prioritize humanity over politics and take urgent steps to restore confidence in the government's ability to protect lives and property. "Today, parents are crying, communities are living in fear, and Nigerians are becoming increasingly frustrated. The nation needs reassurance, empathy and urgent action from its leadership," he added.
