AFENIFERE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL CONDEMNS THE KIDNAPPING OF STUDENTS AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS IN OYO STATE, DEMANDS IMMEDIATE ACTION FROM SOUTH WEST LEADERS

Globalquest Magazine

18th May, 2026:.Lagos

The Afenifere National Youth Council, the apex sociocultural Yoruba youth organization in Yoruba land, strongly condemns the abduction of students and school officials in Oyo State last week.

This act is barbaric, cowardly, and a direct assault on the safety of our children, the sanctity of our schools, and the peace of our communities. It is unacceptable that learning institutions, which should be safe spaces for the future of Yoruba land, have become targets for criminals.

We are outraged that despite our continuous calls, press statements, and publications over the past years warning of the rising tide of insecurity in the South West, decisive and coordinated action remains absent. Kidnapping, banditry, and violent attacks are alien to Yoruba culture and tradition. Our ancestors did not build this land on fear, and we refuse to hand over a land of fear to the next generation.

The Afenifere National Youth Council hereby states:

1. *We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all kidnapped students and school officials.* Every hour they remain in captivity is a stain on the conscience of our leaders and our collective humanity.

2. *We call on the government at all levels – federal, state, and local – to move beyond press releases and statements.* What is needed now is a coordinated security response that dismantles these criminal networks once and for all. Intelligence, resources, and political will must be deployed without delay.

3. *We call on traditional rulers, governors, legislators, and political leaders across the South West to wake up to the trust their people have entrusted in them.* Leadership is not only about ceremonies and titles. It is about protecting lives and property. The silence and inaction must end.

4. *We reiterate our position that security of lives and property is the first duty of government.* If this duty is abandoned, the social contract between leaders and the people collapses.

The Afenifere National Youth Council stands with the families of the victims and the entire Oyo State education community in this painful moment. We will continue to mobilize Yoruba youth and civil society to ensure that this matter does not fade from public consciousness until justice is served and safety is restored.

Kidnapping must never happen again in Yoruba land if we truly have leaders. The time for action is now.

*Signed,*

Abiodun Aderohunmu

National Secretary

Afenifere National Youth Council