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When Children Are Hunted In Classrooms, Silence Becomes Complicity’- CAN

Published

5 months ago

May 18, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the abduction of schoolchildren, teachers, and school officials during coordinated attacks on schools in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN described the invasion of schools by armed criminals in broad daylight as a “barbaric” act and a disturbing sign of worsening insecurity in the country.

The association said the killing of innocent citizens, including the assistant headmaster who reportedly died while attempting to protect pupils, represents a tragic loss that must not be forgotten. It called for swift investigation, arrest, and prosecution of those responsible.

CAN expressed outrage that attackers were able to storm multiple schools, terrorise communities, and abduct dozens of pupils and teachers, warning that the incident reflects a dangerous spread of organised criminal violence into previously safer regions.

The group also lamented the psychological trauma faced by families, describing the sight of helpless parents and terrified victims as a national disgrace that no society should accept.

According to the statement, Nigerians are growing weary of repeated condolences without concrete security action, adding that failure to dismantle kidnapping networks is normalising terror across the country.

CAN urged the Federal Government, security agencies, and the Oyo State government to take immediate and coordinated action to secure the release of all abducted victims and bring perpetrators and their collaborators to justice.

It stressed the need for stronger protection of schools, rural communities, and forest corridors, insisting that safe school initiatives must be fully implemented beyond paperwork and promises.

The association reaffirmed its solidarity with affected families and communities in Oriire Local Government Area, praying for the safe return of the abducted victims and healing for those impacted by the attack.

CAN warned that continued inaction would only embolden criminal groups, stating that when children are hunted in classrooms, silence becomes complicity and delay becomes dangerous.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

12 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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