Oriire abduction: ODDA demands urgent action as victims spend 8 wks in captivity

Oriire abduction: ODDA demands urgent action as victims spend 8wks in captivity

Khalid ABRAHAM

The Ogbomoso Descendants Development Association (ODDA) has expressed concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren, teachers and other victims abducted during the attack on Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, calling for renewed efforts to secure their release.

The Ogbomoso Descendants Development Association (ODDA), in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, AVM (Dr.) JB Adigun (rtd.), and its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Olusegun Kuti Aremu, expressed concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren, teachers and other victims abducted during the attack on Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

ODDA described the incident as a humanitarian crisis, lamenting the emotional, psychological and economic hardship being experienced by the affected families and the entire Ogbomosoland.

The association noted that among those still being held by the kidnappers is the wife of one of its members, Prof. Wole Alamu.

While appreciating the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, Amotekun, Operation Burst, local vigilantes, hunters and other security agencies, the association said more needed to be done to secure the victims’ freedom.

According to the statement, hostage rescue operations are complex and require professionalism, but stressed that eight weeks was too long for families to remain in uncertainty.

ODDA therefore appealed for renewed urgency, improved coordination, strengthened intelligence gathering and the deployment of every lawful resource available to ensure the safe and unconditional release of all those still in captivity.

The association also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, elected representatives, community leaders, civil society organisations, professional bodies, the media and all sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland to sustain advocacy for the victims until they regain their freedom.

It urged Nigerians to continue supporting ongoing rescue efforts through credible information, responsible public communication, prayers and solidarity with the affected families.

The association reaffirmed its support for Prof. Wole Alamu and every family affected by the abduction, insisting that no effort should be spared until every child, teacher and other captive is safely reunited with their loved ones.

ODDA prayed for the safety of the captives, wisdom for security agencies and lasting peace across Ogbomosoland and Nigeria.