Ahoro-Esinele: ANCOPSS Elders Forum Ogbomoso writes Gov Makinde over bandits' attack, demands justice

Ahoro-Esinele: ANCOPSS Elders Forum Ogbomoso writes Gov Makinde over bandits’ attack, demands justice

Femi OGUNLANA

The All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools ( ANCOPSS) Elders Forum Ogbomoso zone has denounced the Friday’s bandits’ attack at the twin communities of Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota in Oriire local government area, which led to the death of the assistant headmaster of L.A. Basic School, Yawota, and a student of a private school as well as abduction of the principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele (Mrs. Rachael Alamu) and some of her teachers. Students and pupils from the three schools were also kidnapped.

Reacting, the ANCOPSS Elders Forum in a letter addressed to Governor Seyi Makinde (copied to the Commissioner of Police, the chairman of Oriire local government among others), and titled, “Strong condemnation of the abduction of school principal and unspecified number of students and killing of one teacher, and a student in Ahoro Esinele and Yawota, in Orire local government,” signed by Prince Lere Ajiboye (a retired Permanent Secretary TESCOM) and Prince Lekan Olawuyi, chairman and secretary respectively, expressed sadness and described it as an unwarranted assault, which would have psychological effects on the children and the other victims as well as impact adversely the teaching profession and the future of education.

“We write on behalf of ANCOPSS Elders Forum Ogbomoso Zone, to express our profound shock, grief, and outrage at the brutal attack on Community Grammar School Ahoro Esin Ele in Orire Local Government on 15th May, 2026.

“It is with heavy hearts that we received the news that armed bandits invaded the school premises, abducted the serving Principal, several teachers, and an unspecified number of students. We are further devastated to learn that a teacher and a student were killed in cold blood during the attack.”

They now observed, “This heinous act is a direct assault not only on the victims and their families, but on the future of our children, the dignity of the teaching profession, and the very foundation of education in Oyo state.”

The ANCOPSS Elders Forum urged the government to rise to the occasion in order not to jeopardise the future of education in the state as it raises some concerns.

“We state unequivocally that education is a right, not a crime and targeting schools, principals, teachers, and students is an attack on society itself and must never be normalized.

“The sanctity of human life must be upheld. The murder of our colleagues is unacceptable and demands swift justice.

“The safety of our schools must be non-negotiable. No child, teacher, or administrator should go to school in fear of being abducted or killed.”

The influential body now makes some demands, including immediate and unconditional release of the abductees, thorough investigations into the attack and bringing of the assailants to book, provision of adequate security in vulnerable schools, support to families of the deceased teachers and rehabilitation programme for the students.

“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted principal, teachers, and students.

“A thorough investigation and the swift arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators of this atrocity.

“Deployment of adequate security to all schools in vulnerable areas and the implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative without further delay.

“Government’s support for the families of the deceased teachers and for the rehabilitation of the abducted and traumatized students and staff.”

The retired principals emphasized that by virtue of their position (now and in the past), they are bound by a duty to protect the sanctity of the profession and ensure their successors who carry on the touch of education work in a danger-free environment.

“As retired principals, we have dedicated our lives to building young minds and protecting our schools. We cannot, and will not, remain silent while those who carry on this work are slaughtered and abducted.

“We call on the government at all levels, security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to rise to the occasion and end this reign of terror against our schools. History will judge us all by what we do at this moment.

“We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families, the affected school community, and all educators in Oyo State. We pray for the safe return of the abducted, and for the repose of the souls of our slain colleagues.

“Accept the assurances of our highest regards.”