The Sooko Agoriesin of Ile-Ife, Oladotun Hassan, has condemned the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as disturbing and a serious threat to education and security in the South-West.
Hassan, who also serves as Aare Yoruba Agbaye and President of Yoruba Council Worldwide, made the remarks in a statement issued to journalists on Monday.
He expressed concern over the abduction of students and teachers from schools around the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota area of Ogbomoso, warning that rising insecurity in schools and rural communities could have serious implications for peace and development.
The traditional ruler described the killings recorded during the incident, including those of teacher Michael Oyedokun and Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan, as cruel and unacceptable.
According to him, schools should remain safe environments for learning and character development rather than becoming targets of violence and criminal activities.
Hassan also appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in collaboration with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the state government, to host the second edition of a Yoruba Obas Conference in Ile-Ife.
He said the proposed gathering would provide an opportunity for traditional rulers and stakeholders to discuss growing security concerns, including kidnappings, killings and the activities of armed groups in Yorubaland.
According to him, other critical issues such as agriculture, infrastructure, education and healthcare could also form part of discussions at the conference.
The legal practitioner further called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue victims still in captivity and ensure those responsible for the attacks are apprehended and prosecuted.
He advocated stronger grassroots security structures, including the strengthening of local security initiatives and collaboration with community-based groups such as hunters and other indigenous security networks.
Hassan also urged Nigerians to support security operations through vigilance and intelligence sharing, noting that collective efforts remained essential in tackling insecurity.
He sympathised with families of victims, affected communities and security operatives who reportedly lost their lives during rescue efforts, while praying for the safe return of those still in captivity.
