The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria has called on the Federal and State Governments to improve security systems in schools across the country to prevent further attacks and abductions of students.
The organisation said increased investment in school protection measures, including community policing and early warning systems, would help tackle the growing threat of insecurity around educational institutions.
The call followed the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.
While applauding the Federal Government for securing the release of the victims and reuniting them with their families, the society urged authorities at all levels to make the safety of Nigerian children a top priority.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ansar-Ud-Deen appealed for greater commitment towards strengthening security infrastructure in schools, especially in communities considered vulnerable to attacks.
“The Ansar-Ud-DeDeen Society of Nigeria appeals to governments at all levels to invest more in school security infrastructure, community policing initiatives, and early warning mechanisms, particularly in vulnerable communities.
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“The safety of every Nigerian child must remain a national priority. As the released pupils and their teachers reunite with their loved ones, we urge members of the public to respect their privacy and support their rehabilitation and integration into normal life,” the statement signed by Ansar-Ud-Deen’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Sola Hassan, read in part.
The group also expressed concern over repeated cases of school attacks and kidnappings across Nigeria, stressing that learning environments must remain safe spaces for children.
“Educational institutions must remain sanctuaries of learning, safety, and hope, not theatres of fear and insecurity.
We therefore call on the Federal Government, State Governments, and all security agencies to intensify efforts towards safeguarding schools, strengthening intelligence gathering, and ensuring that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are apprehended and brought to justice.
“It is imperative that comprehensive measures be put in place to prevent future occurrences and restore public confidence in the safety of our educational system,” the statement added.
Ansar-Ud-Deen also praised the Nigerian Armed Forces, security and intelligence agencies, as well as other personnel involved in the rescue operation, for their efforts in securing the release of the abducted victims.
The victims were kidnapped when terrorists attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, killing one teacher and abducting pupils and staff members.
The affected schools were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele.
A total of 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a principal, were taken away during the attacks. One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded by the terrorists the following day in an attempt to discourage security operatives from continuing their pursuit.