The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) has condemned the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State, describing the killing and beheading of a teacher during the attack as a barbaric act and a direct assault on education and human dignity.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Executive Director, Gbenga Soloki, the organisation said schools must never become “killing fields” while teachers should not be targets of violent attacks.
CAIDOV described the beheading of the teacher as a crime against humanity, extending condolences to the family, colleagues and students of the deceased.
The group also described the abduction of students and teachers as a national disgrace, stressing that education remains a fundamental right and not a bargaining tool for criminal elements.
According to the organisation, the repeated attacks on schools indicate failures in intelligence gathering, rapid response and preventive security measures by relevant authorities.
CAIDOV called for the immediate and safe rescue of all abducted students and teachers, insisting that authorities must intensify efforts to ensure their freedom without empowering criminal gangs.
The organisation further demanded a transparent investigation into the incident, prosecution of all perpetrators and their sponsors, as well as the full implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative in Oyo State.
It also urged the government to provide compensation and trauma counselling for affected families, students and staff members.
The group called on the Oyo State Government, the Federal Ministry of Education and the Nigeria Police Force to treat the incident as a national emergency.
CAIDOV added that it would continue to monitor developments and hold relevant authorities accountable until justice is served and schools across the country are made safe.
