Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. Photo: Oyo State House

The Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan branch, on Monday, charged the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to take a keen interest in the ceaseless influx of people into the state amid the recent abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, penultimate Friday.

NBA, in a statement released by its Chairman, Ibrahim Lawal, in Ibadan, the state capital, also urged the State Government to regulate the operations of commercial motorcyclists for a stipulated period to ascertain the operators’ identities.

The association further called on both the Federal and State Governments to put more effort into rescuing abducted teachers and students at three different schools in the local government.

The PUNCH reports that scores of teachers and students were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, penultimate Friday, around 9:30 a.m.

NBA, in a statement on Monday, said, “This barbarism must not be allowed to have a foothold in an erstwhile peaceful environment. We must not allow this latest incident to be added to the consistently growing list of unresolved horrendous crimes perpetrated against the hapless people of this country.

“The perpetrators of this attack and their sponsors must be unmasked. The government at different levels must act in earnest to confront this menace. The state must rise above characteristic but ineffectual reactions to grave acts of barbarism which assail our sensibilities.

“This is not the time when functionaries of government present bland platitudes as reassurance. The good people of the state anticipate an acceptable resolution to the current disruption of peace. They expect the victims to return soon.

“It is also pertinent to admonish the government of Oyo to consider taking some proactive steps urgently with a view to protecting lives and property. The people will find self-help irresistible if criminals are allowed to take a stroll into their communities to perpetrate evil.
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“The ease with which criminals attack communities and escape justice should be a source of great concern to us all. This is not the time to allow partisan politics to compel complacent inaction, compromises and subterfuge.

“The Oyo State Government should take a keen interest in the ceaseless influx of people into the state. The operations of commercial motorcyclists (Okada) must be regulated vigorously. Government functionaries must see beyond revenue generation.

“A suspension of their operations for a stipulated period to ascertain the identity of the operators should be considered. The constant dumping of young people with no traceable links to state residents must be curbed if we are to avert a looming danger. Forest reserves must be combed thoroughly to flush out all undesirable elements,” the association stressed

NBA further admonished both the Federal and State Governments to expedite action in ensuring the safe return of the victims, saying the welfare of the people is the primary reason for the existence of any government.

It therefore registered its deep displeasure at the seeming tardiness of the government rescue mission, since this unfortunate incident occurred over ten days ago, adding that it is reasonable to expect that this latest assault on civility will be confronted headlong.

The association said, “The deafening silence attending the activities aimed at liberating the captives does not inspire hope. We shudder to imagine the horrible experiences to which the victims are being subjected at the moment.

“While it may be strategic to keep from public scrutiny specific details concerning the tactics being adopted to bring foreclosure to this unfortunate incident, the characteristic silence of the government has been disquieting,” it added.