Nigeria’s former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, has warned the government and public office holders against politicizing the recent abduction of school children across the country.

Speaking at News Central’s Town Hall meeting held in Oyo State yesterday, Ezekwesili lamented the current state of the country.

She said, “People started talking politics with the Chibok girls; the role of the government is to make sure that when our children go to school, they are safe”, she further criticized the Nigerian populace, citing docility and saying, “Until Nigerians speak up, nothing will be done,” emphasizing that she would not stop talking about the failure of the government.

The News Central town hall in Oyo State was convened to address the challenge of insecurity, particularly in the state and the broader South West region. It is set against the backdrop of the recent school kidnapping in the Oriire community, where armed bandits attacked on May 15, 2026, and forty-six persons were abducted. Among the hostages were 39 children, the youngest being just two years old. Seven teachers were also taken, and one of them was later executed.

The event featured security personnel, stakeholders, public analysts, and government representatives, as well as families and victims of insurgency in various communities. Dr Babatunde Ojebuyi, a lecturer at the University of Ibadan, warned against misinformation and false news. He shared how false messages spread across the University and, after proper verification, they were refuted.

Representing the leadership of Oyo State, Abiodun Akomo, the Attorney General, noted the gathering’s importance. He stated, “The matter is important to us; that is why I am here. I have a choice not to come here today”. He also recognized citizens’ right to demand accountability.

During an emotional moment, Mrs Taiye Ayodele, a victim who escaped alongside her son, while their daughter was caught and shared her daughter’s ordeal with the kidnappers for 2 months before she was released. She also mentioned that she was recaptured by the bandits at a later church service, which further called into question the efficacy of the government.

Expressing dissatisfaction at the turn of events, Olabiyi Stephen, a human rights activist, noted that “it took the government 2 weeks to visit the family of the kidnapped, but when the family of politicians was affected, it took them just 2days”. The event, however, was slightly disrupted by agitation from protesters and several dissenting parties.

Mr Kayode Akintemi, Managing Director and Editor-In-Chief of News Central, restored order after the ruckus and advised the audience to unite rather than fight each other. He emphasized the need to stand together as one for issues like this, standing undivided; he said: “It is only those who do not care about their lives, their children and the ones yet to be born who will vote during the election for those who do not care about their lives”. He also highlighted the fact that the kidnappers are not just in the bush starving, but they are being fed, and that only means it is some people who are sponsoring them.

The town hall came to a close with aggrieved parties resolved to further pressure the government to carry out its duties. In the face of rising insecurity, the town hall’s circumstances further underscore the need for urgent action by security personnel and government representatives to stabilize and restore order not only in the southwest region but across the nation.