June 12: Osun CSOs urge FG to rescue kidnapped schoolchildren, teachers

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

Civil society groups in Osun State on Friday urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of all Nigerians held captive by kidnappers, including abducted schoolchildren and their teachers.

The coalition, which includes the Osun Civil Societies Coalition, Take It Back Movement, Coalition Against Insecurity and Bad Governance, and FIWON, converged at the Ayetoro area of the state capital and marched through Igbonna, Olonkoro, Old Garage, Oke-Fia and Olaiya.

They carried placards with inscriptions such as “Rescue kidnapped children and teachers” and “Provide security,” among others.

The groups said the June 12 anniversary provided an opportunity to remind leaders of the importance of protecting lives and ensuring that the democratic rights and safety of Nigerians remain a priority.

Speaking, the convener of the Coalition Against Insecurity and Bad Governance, Kola Ibrahim, expressed concern over the rising cases of school kidnappings, warning that the situation poses a threat to the future of education in Nigeria.

Ibrahim urged the Federal Government to ensure the immediate release of all abducted citizens, describing the continued captivity of children and teachers as unacceptable.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society in Osun, Comrade Waheed Lawal, said the protest was in response to a nationwide call by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, for citizens to demand better security from the government.

“The entire Civil Society Coalition Against Insecurity and Bad Governance moved out today to let Nigerians and the people of Osun know that we do not want insecurity in our land. What is happening in Nigeria is uncalled for. The Nigerian government should brace up and do the needful. It is the duty of government to provide security for the lives and property of its citizens and ensure the welfare of its people,” he said.