The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has strongly condemned the kidnapping of school pupils and teachers in Oyo State, describing the attack as a grave assault on education, human dignity and the future of Nigeria.
In a statement jointly signed by ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, the association expressed deep concern over the May 15, 2026 attack on three schools in the Ogbomoso axis of Oriire Local Government Area.
The schools affected were Community Grammar School, Esiele, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, where armed bandits reportedly carried out coordinated attacks, abducting scores of pupils, teachers and other residents.
ANA described the incident as a brazen act of criminality that exposed serious gaps in school security and raised questions about the effectiveness of measures put in place to protect vulnerable communities.
The association also mourned the deaths of four individuals linked to the tragic incident. They include Mr. Joel Adesiyan, an assistant headmaster who was shot dead during the attack; Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher who was abducted and later killed in captivity; an unnamed commercial motorcyclist who was reportedly murdered after resisting the attackers; and Shuaibu Adigun, a National Park worker and volunteer rescuer who died while participating in efforts to save victims.
According to ANA, the deaths underscore the devastating consequences of insecurity and the urgent need for stronger government intervention.
The writers’ body extended condolences to the bereaved families, the affected schools, and the communities of Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota, noting that no family should be subjected to the anguish of uncertainty over the fate of loved ones.
ANA expressed particular concern that several weeks after the attack, many of the abducted pupils and other victims remained in captivity.
“The continued delay in securing their release has prolonged the suffering of parents, guardians and community members who live daily with fear, anxiety and uncertainty,” the association said.
It called on both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts towards the immediate and unconditional release of all abductees.
While acknowledging the complexities involved in security operations, ANA stressed that the situation required more visible and decisive action from the authorities.
The association urged security agencies to deploy all available intelligence, technology and operational resources to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible for the attacks.
It also emphasised the need for improved intelligence gathering and stronger community vigilance as key measures for preventing future incidents.
According to ANA, effective intelligence systems and neighbourhood watch initiatives can help security agencies identify threats early and strengthen protection for vulnerable schools and communities.
The association further warned that repeated attacks on schools could have long-term consequences for education by creating fear among pupils, discouraging attendance, demoralizing teachers and undermining public confidence in educational institutions.
“A society that cannot guarantee the safety of its children in school places its future at risk,” it noted.
ANA therefore advised both federal and state authorities to implement sustainable security measures around schools, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Such measures, it said, should include increased security presence, improved intelligence gathering, community policing initiatives, early-warning systems and regular security assessments.
Reaffirming its commitment to advocacy for safe education, ANA said it stood in solidarity with the victims, their families and the people of Oyo State, while calling on government, security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders to work together to secure the release of the abductees and prevent a recurrence of similar tragedies.
The association maintained that every Nigerian child deserves to pursue education in an atmosphere of safety, peace and hope.
