The South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) urged the federal and Oyo State governments to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement jointly signed by the chairman of the group, Bisi Oladele, and the publicity secretary, Remi Oladoye, the online publishers described the incident as traumatic and deeply disturbing, warning that it has further heightened fears over insecurity in Oyo State and the wider South-West region.
The group said the abduction was not only an attack on the affected families and communities but also a direct threat to the peace and security of the region.
According to SWEGOP, the continued captivity of the victims has worsened public anxiety and contributed to growing distrust among residents regarding the safety of their environment.
The publishers noted that the development carries serious psychological implications for residents, especially parents and school communities already worried about rising insecurity across the country.
SWEGOP also lamented what it described as the continued exposure of weaknesses within Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing that the prolonged detention of the abducted victims reflects the urgent need for stronger and more coordinated security measures.
While commending security agencies and personnel involved in ongoing rescue operations, the group urged the government not to relent until all the victims are safely reunited with their families.
The association further appealed to authorities to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders capable of supporting rescue efforts and improving intelligence gathering.
It also called on security agencies to strengthen surveillance and intelligence operations across vulnerable communities in order to prevent future occurrences of such incidents.
SWEGOP maintained that restoring public confidence in the nation’s security system requires swift action, effective response mechanisms and sustained commitment to protecting lives and property.
