Oyo CAN Declares Prayer, Fasting Over Abducted Students, Teachers
The Christian Association of Nigeria in Oyo State has directed churches across the state to observe a day of prayer and fasting on Wednesday for the safe release of students and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
Gunmen had attacked three schools in the council area on Friday, abducting about 46 persons, including students, seven teachers, and a principal.
During the attack, an assistant head teacher and a commercial motorcyclist were killed at Community High School, one of the affected schools.
The two other schools attacked were Baptist Nursery and Primary School and LA School Esinele, located within the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele axis of Oriire LGA.
In a statement, the Oyo State Chairman of CAN, Elisha Ogundiya, described the incident as disturbing and heartbreaking, saying the Christian community in the state was deeply saddened by the attack.
“We condemn this act in the strongest terms. Schools must remain safe spaces for learning, not hunting grounds for criminals,” the statement read.
“The trauma inflicted on these children, their teachers, and their families is immeasurable.”
Ogundiya directed all churches in the state to observe prayer and fasting on Wednesday, with the fast expected to end at 6 p.m.
According to him, prayer points would focus on the safe release of the abducted victims, divine protection for the state, and repentance for those responsible for the attack.
“We continue to pray for the safe return of these abductees and for the exposure and defeat of those behind this evil act,” he added.
While acknowledging efforts already made by the Oyo State Government and security agencies, the CAN chairman urged authorities to intensify rescue operations and secure the immediate release of the victims.
He also called on the government to strengthen security in vulnerable rural communities, thoroughly investigate the attack, and prosecute those responsible.
Ogundiya further stressed the need for improved school safety measures and community-based security frameworks to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
He urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and provide useful information that could aid ongoing rescue efforts.