OCF reacts to Oriire abduction, says, ‘We identify with victims’

OCF reacts to Oriire abduction, says, ‘We identify with victims’

Yinka ADETUNJI

The Ogbomoso Community Foundation (OCF) has lent its voice to the condemnation trailing the abduction of 46 persons including 39 children and 7 school teachers at Oriire local government area last Friday.

OCF submitted that the action of the bandits was vicious, and alien to a civilized society. This is as the socio-cultural organization expressed condolences to the families who had lost loved ones in the saga. It also commended the efforts of the Oyo state and federal governments and the security agents in rescuing the abducted victims, while urging governments to further do their best in ensuring they are freed unharmed.

This is contained in a press release on Tuesday, signed by the association’s Leader, General Oladayo Popoola (rtd).

The release states in part, “Our mind goes to our people who are in the captivity of suspected bandits in Oriire local government area in our zone. This is a most saddening occurrence. We commiserate with the families who lost their loved ones in the attack. It is a most despicable thing to witness such vicious attack in a civilized society.

“We want to seize this occasion to commend our governments at both the state and federal levels for the yeoman’s work they have been doing towards rescuing the situation and get the victims of the abduction freed unharmed. We commend their promptness and the efficiency seen so far in our gallant officers. Victory shall swing to the side of the people, we are assured.”

The association urged government not to relent until all the victims are rescued and the bandits brought to book, noting, “That is the only way the menace that is banditry can come to an end. If they are not made to face the full wrath of the law the pattern will persist. But we believe government will do what is the best. Governor Seyi Makinde has indeed shown good leadership in this trying period. His daily briefing is laudable, by which he intimates the citizens about how the rescue operation is unfolding. We pray all the victims will regain freedom without any more casualties. And may God protect our security agents too.”

It however charges government to put in place better security architecture to forestall future occurrences, stressing, “It is always better to prevent than to seek solution. We have seen the outcome in the losses in lives, material, manpower and manhour. We plead with government to restore safety in the nation.”