The South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) has called on both the Federal and Oyo State Governments to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate release of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the group, Bisi Oladele, and Publicity Secretary, Remi Oladoye, the online news publishers described the incident as heart-breaking and traumatising, pointing out that it has heightened fears over insecurity in the state and the entire Southwest region.
The group stated that the unfortunate abduction was not only an attack on the families of the victims and the communities but also a direct assault on the peace and security of the entire region. It noted that many residents were gradually losing confidence in the safety of their environment, a development that has negative psychological effects on residents.
SWEGOP decried continued detention of the kidnap victims, stressing that it further exposes the weakness of the Nigerian security architecture.
While commending the ongoing rescue operations by our brave security personnel, the online news publishers urged the government not to relent in its efforts to ensure safe return of the victims. It called on the government to urgently work with all relevant stakeholders that can play any important role in the rescue efforts.
The group further appealed to security agencies to sustain intelligence gathering and strengthen surveillance across vulnerable communities in order to prevent future recurrence of the unfortunate incident.
