As anxiety deepens over the fate of abducted teachers and schoolchildren in Oyo State, the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has come under sharp criticism over allegations that it is politicising the tragedy and promoting divisive narratives instead of concentrating on efforts to secure the victims’ release.
Human rights activist Francis Nwapa accused the state government of attempting to cast the abduction in a religious light following reports that officials publicly disclosed alleged demands made by the kidnappers, including a purported N1 billion ransom and a call for the introduction of Sharia law in Oyo State.
Nwapa described the claims as disturbing, particularly as the victims remain in captivity and uncertainty continues to surround their safety.
According to him, governments faced with hostage situations are expected to exercise caution and discretion, especially regarding sensitive communications that could affect ongoing rescue efforts or endanger lives.
“The attempt to frame this abduction in religious terms is deeply troubling,” Nwapa said. “At a time when innocent teachers and children are still being held, the focus should be on securing their freedom, not amplifying claims capable of inflaming tensions.”
He argued that public discussions about alleged demands made by armed groups, whether verified or not, risk distracting attention from the worsening security situation confronting residents and could undermine efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.
Nwapa further warned against rhetoric that could deepen religious or ethnic divisions in the state, insisting that criminal violence should be confronted through effective security operations rather than narratives capable of provoking mistrust among citizens.
“The people of Oyo State must not be divided along religious or ethnic lines,” he said. “Kidnapping, terrorism and criminality are defeated through decisive action, intelligence gathering and the protection of lives, not through sensational statements.”
The activist maintained that the immediate concern should be the safe and unconditional release of all abducted teachers and schoolchildren, urging authorities to deploy every available security resource toward that objective.
He also called on both the Oyo State Government and the Federal Government to fulfil their constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, warning that insecurity must not be overshadowed by political distractions or controversies.
Nwapa demanded a transparent response to the growing security challenges in the state, stronger measures to protect schools and communities, and an end to statements capable of heightening religious tensions.
“The lives of innocent Nigerians must not become casualties of government failure, negligence or diversionary politics,” he said.
The controversy has added another layer of tension to an already distressing situation, as families of the abducted victims continue to wait anxiously for news of their loved ones while pressure mounts on authorities to secure their release and restore public confidence in the state’s ability to protect its citizens.