The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has urged the Federal and Oyo State Governments, as well as security agencies, to urgently strengthen security around schools and vulnerable rural communities following the recent abduction of teachers and students in parts of Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
The appeal was made during a special prayer and intercession programme organised on Tuesday by private school proprietors across the five local government areas in the Ogbomoso axis.
Speaking on behalf of the association in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the District Secretary, Olawale Ojewumi, alongside the Public Relations Officer, Tope Olaniyan, and District Chairperson, Bosede Ajala, expressed concern over the rising insecurity targeting educational institutions.
They said the attacks had created fear among parents, teachers and school owners, making learning environments increasingly unsafe.
The association’s reaction follows the abduction of pupils and teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area during coordinated attacks last Friday.
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NAPPS described the situation as alarming, stressing that schools must remain safe spaces for learning and development.
They called for urgent government intervention, including stronger security deployment, modern surveillance systems, improved intelligence gathering, and faster emergency response to prevent future incidents and ensure the rescue of abducted victims.
“Schools should remain safe environments for learning and not become targets for criminal elements,” the association said.
NAPPS further appealed for unity among stakeholders, including school owners, parents, religious leaders, and community members, in addressing the growing insecurity affecting schools.
The association emphasised that the safety of one school affects all, describing the situation as a collective concern that requires urgent attention.
“This is not the burden of one school alone. An attack on one school is an attack on all schools,” it stated.
NAPPS also prayed for the safe return of all abducted victims and comfort for their families during this difficult period.
