By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
Most Rev. Williams Aladekugbe, the Archbishop of Ibadan Province and the Bishop, Ibadan North Anglican Diocese, has condemned the abduction of staff and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Aladekugbe in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Wednesday, called for the profiling of foreigners in the state to strengthen security.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen on Friday invaded the LGA, attacking the Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, LA School Esinele and Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, where an assistant head teacher and a commercial motorcyclist were killed.
Aladekugbe described the abduction as “despicable and condemnable”, adding that the killing of one of the teachers was “ungodly, immoral and criminal”.
“The news of the abduction of the staff and pupils of some schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and some citizens CRIN came to us as a rude shock.
“We join millions of well meaning and patriotic citizens of Oyo state in particular and the nation in general to condemn the despicable act. It is barbaric to say the least,” he said.
The archbishop said the abduction of innocent teachers and pupils cannot be justified by any standard.
He sympathised with Gov. Seyi Makinde, the state government, and the people of Oyo state, while urging all levels of government to collaborate to secure the quick release of the abducted children and teachers.
Citing the Presidential Charge at the just concluded Synod, the Archbishop said all foreigners in the state should be properly profiled.
“Anyone with dubious character/intention should be returned to their states of origin or dealt with according to the laws of the land,” he said.
Aladekugbe, also the immediate past Chairman, Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) stood against politicising the incident or introducing religious coloration into governance.
“We stand with Gov. Makinde; we condemn in its entirety the politics people bring into it and all forms of religious coloration into the governance of the state.
“Politics should be played with the fear of God in mind as we will all stand before the judgment seat of God to account for our deeds,” he said.
Aladekugbe stressed that insecurity does not discriminate between political parties, adding that the incident was not a product of any political party and urging politicians not to play dirty politics over the incident at hand.
He noted that the Makinde’s administration has delivered “seven years of impactful and people oriented governance”, calling on governments at all levels to invest more in security.
Aladekugbe concluded by praying for the victims and their families, asking God to intervene in their situation, secure their release, and ensure the safety and security of the state and the nation.
(NAN)
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