By, Omowumi Hannah

A candidate for the Oyo State House of Assembly in Ogbomosho North State Constituency under the platform of the African Democratic Congress, Hon. Akinwale Oke-Mountain 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 Esinele and Yawota communities, leaving both areas gloomy.

In a condolence message signed by Covenant Ojo, a Special Assistant on Media, Communications and Publicity, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday, Hon. Oke-Mountain described the incident as “unfortunate, barbaric, and damnable.”

He said the incident has left every wealthy Nigerian downcast, 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 torturing future leaders with armed bandits?” he queried.

The son of respected Oke dynasty in Ogbomosho lamented the continued rise in insecurity, saying its growing grip could reduce socio-economic progress in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

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

However, he 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 improved funds should be committed to surveillance mechanisms across the country to check insecurity,” he said.

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

Oke-Mountain 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 fuller creation of State Police, the UK-Nigerian Engineer advocated stronger empowerment of the South West Security Network, Amotekun, for better regional security.