The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, has strongly condemned the recent attack on the Orire community in Ogbomoso area of Oyo State, describing the incident as barbaric and a grave assault on humanity.
In a statement signed by the chairman of the branch, Ibrahim Lawal, the association expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident involving teachers and pupils who reportedly fell victim to criminal elements in the community.
The association said the attack had left residents and Nigerians traumatised, noting that the gruesome nature of the incident was painful to recount.
“The leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan Branch, and its entire members join other well-meaning Nigerians to condemn unequivocally the savagery visited by some criminals on the quiet community of Orire in Ogbomoso, Oyo State,” the statement read.
The NBA prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the attack and extended sympathy to families affected by the tragedy.
The association, however, expressed concern over what it described as the slow pace of government response and rescue efforts since the incident occurred more than 10 days ago.
According to the NBA, the silence surrounding efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims has created anxiety among residents and failed to inspire public confidence.
“The deafening silence attending the activities aimed at liberating the captives does not inspire hope,” the association stated, adding that the victims may currently be enduring terrible conditions in captivity.
While acknowledging that security operations may require confidentiality, the legal body insisted that authorities must demonstrate seriousness and urgency in confronting criminal activities threatening peace in the state.
The association warned against allowing the incident to become another unresolved case in the country’s growing record of violent crimes.
It further called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack, including their sponsors.
“The perpetrators of this attack and their sponsors must be unmasked,” the statement added.
The NBA urged both the federal and Oyo State governments to intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of the victims and restore public confidence in the state’s security architecture.
The body also advised the Oyo State Government to adopt more proactive security measures to protect lives and property across communities.
According to the association, increasing incidents of insecurity could push residents toward self-help if criminals continue to operate freely without consequences.
The NBA specifically urged the government to regulate the activities of commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, and consider temporary restrictions aimed at verifying the identities of operators across the state.
It also raised concerns over what it described as the influx of unidentified young persons into Oyo State, warning that failure to address the situation could create a larger security crisis.
“The constant dumping of young people with no traceable links to residents of the State must be curbed if we are to avert a looming danger,” the statement noted.
The association further recommended thorough security operations within forest reserves and remote areas to flush out criminal elements allegedly hiding in such locations.
The NBA maintained that governments at all levels must move beyond routine reactions and political considerations when addressing security threats confronting citizens.
“The welfare of the people is the primary reason for the existence of any government,” the statement concluded.
