By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

The presidential candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe rescue of pupils and teachers reportedly abducted in separate incidents in Oyo and Borno states.

In a statement made available to journalists, Omoaje described the reported abductions as a serious security challenge requiring urgent and coordinated action by relevant authorities.

According to him, the protection of schoolchildren must remain a national priority, particularly in communities vulnerable to attacks and criminal activities.

The AA presidential candidate expressed concern over reports that dozens of pupils and teachers were abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as another reported incident involving schoolchildren in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

He urged security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to secure the release of the victims and ensure their safe return to their families.

Omoaje said the incidents underscored the need for stronger security measures around educational institutions, especially in rural and conflict-prone communities.

He also advocated closer collaboration among security agencies, local communities, traditional institutions and other stakeholders in efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.

According to him, traditional rulers should be given a more active role in community-based security initiatives because of their proximity to the people and understanding of local environments.

The AA candidate commended ongoing efforts by security agencies and urged them to remain focused on achieving the safe rescue of the victims.

He further called for the effective implementation of programmes aimed at improving school safety, including measures designed to strengthen security infrastructure and emergency response mechanisms in educational institutions.

Omoaje stressed the importance of providing support for affected families and communities, noting that incidents involving schoolchildren often have significant emotional and psychological impacts.

He reiterated his call for a comprehensive security strategy that combines federal intervention with community participation, saying such an approach would help address persistent security challenges and protect schools across the country.