By, Rasaq Akinrinade

An aspirant for the Oyo State House of Assembly in Egbeda State Constituency ahead of the 2027 General Elections, Hon. Temitope Olawoyin, has sympathized with families of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.

The abduction, which occurred on May 16, 2026, left more than 40 pupils and 7 teachers in captivity after suspected bandits attacked Esinle and Yawota communities, leaving both areas gloomy.

In a condolence message signed by Olawale Kunle, Special Assistant on Media, Communications and Publicity, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday, Hon. Olawoyin described the incident as “unfortunate, barbaric, and damnable.”

She said the incident has left every well-meaning Nigerian devastated, adding that “the fight against insecurity should be an all-together war.”

“This is never a good story at all. Children have the right to a good life and education. Why torture future leaders with armed banditry?” she asked.

The gender equality advocate lamented the continued rise in insecurity, saying its growing grip could reduce socio-economic progress in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

The APC chieftain, who described the abduction as “a gross infringement on the rights of minors,” commended the federal and state governments for its proactive approach to rescuing the Oriire abductees.

She insisted government must fulfill its core mandate as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”, calling on Governor Seyi Makinde to further equip security surveillance mechanisms across the state.

“I will not lose hope over the fight against insecurity in Nigeria, especially in Oyo State. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde are trying, but my call is that more funds should be committed to surveillance mechanisms across the country to check insecurity,” she said.

Hon. Olawoyin urged government at all levels to prioritize affordable quality education, stress-free socio-economic policies, and continued awareness against poverty, inequality, and insecurity.

She also urged affected families to renew trust and co-operation with government and security agencies, calling on residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious in their communities.

While soliciting for the full establishment of State Police, she advocated stronger empowerment of the South West Security Network, Amotekun, for better regional security.

Meanwhile, Hon. Olawoyin vowed to deliver people-focused representation on security, education, and welfare if elected in 2027.