Oyo School Abduction: Journalists Group Calls for State, Community Policing
…Urges Government to Prioritise Rescue Efforts, Security Above Politics
The group, Journalists for Good Governance (JGG), also renewed calls for the establishment of state and community policing structures as part of broader efforts to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the Acting President of JGG, Bunmi Obarotimi, expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of the students and school staff, noting that one of the teachers had reportedly been beheaded while others, including the school principal, remain in the hands of their abductors.
JGG, a coalition of journalists committed to promoting accountability, good governance and effective public policy, said the safety and rescue of the victims must take precedence over political considerations.
“The attack on innocent schoolchildren and educators is a tragedy that should unite all leaders, regardless of political affiliation,” Obarotimi said. “The protection of lives and property must always come before politics.”
According to him, there is growing concern that political actors from both the ruling and opposition camps are exploiting the unfortunate incident for partisan purposes instead of focusing on practical solutions to the country’s security challenges.
“Our findings show that many political leaders are more interested in scoring political points than working together to address the insecurity crisis threatening communities across the country,” he stated.
“In many advanced democracies, moments of national tragedy bring leaders together in pursuit of lasting solutions. We urge those in positions of authority to put aside political differences, unite behind the rescue effort, and ensure the safe return of these children and other Nigerians currently held captive.”
The group also pointed to recent attacks in remote communities as evidence that criminal gangs and bandits continue to exploit security gaps in rural areas where resistance is often minimal.
JGG referenced the recent attack on Ayegunle community in Kaba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, where one person was killed and at least 33 residents were abducted, describing the incident as further proof that Nigeria’s security architecture requires urgent reform.
Obarotimi stressed the need for legislation that would establish and empower state police forces as well as community-based security organisations.
“Policing is fundamentally local in every successful security system around the world,” he said. “It is on this basis that we call on the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to prioritise the creation of state police and the strengthening of community security structures. Such reforms will significantly reduce the burden on federal security agencies and help address the growing security deficit that is gradually turning parts of the country into conflict zones.”
The group further urged political leaders to learn from past mistakes, recalling the 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, which occurred amid intense political activities ahead of the 2015 general elections.
“Many of the Chibok girls are still unaccounted for today. The nation cannot afford to repeat the errors of the past by allowing politics to overshadow urgent security decisions,” the statement noted.
JGG concluded by calling on leaders across party lines to work together in confronting insecurity and restoring public confidence in the state’s ability to protect its citizens.
“Nigerians deserve to live, work and travel without fear of kidnapping, terrorism or violent attacks. The continued exposure of innocent citizens to insecurity due to political distractions and official inaction is unacceptable and must end,” the group stated.