Ekiti teachers, students go spiritual over rising insecurity

By Boye Oyeyemi

Teachers and students in secondary schools across Ekiti State on Wednesday temporarily suspended academic activities to participate in a nationwide prayer session against insecurity and the growing cases of abduction involving teachers and students.

The exercise, organised by the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, was held in compliance with a directive of the union’s National Executive Committee.

At various schools visited in Ado-Ekiti, teachers and students gathered to seek divine intervention for the safe release of abducted victims and an end to insecurity threatening educational institutions nationwide.

Speaking during the exercise at C.A.C. Comprehensive High School, Ado-Ekiti, the Vice Principal (Administration), Olanrewaju K.J., described the prayer session as necessary in view of the increasing incidents of kidnapping across the country. According to him, the growing insecurity has created anxiety among teachers, students and parents, making it imperative to seek divine help for the release of those currently in captivity.

Also, the Principal of David Oke Model College, Kikelomo Olaiya, prayed for the freedom of all abducted victims and called for lasting solutions to the security challenges affecting schools and communities.

She stressed that effective teaching and learning could only thrive in a peaceful and secure environment, urging stakeholders to support efforts aimed at safeguarding educational institutions.

Similarly, the Principal of Anglican High School, Akinbode Oke, appealed to the government to strengthen security measures around schools.

Some teachers who participated in the programme expressed optimism that the prayers would complement ongoing efforts by security agencies to secure the release of abducted teachers and students.