The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has strongly condemned the recent abduction of 25 students of the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State, and the violent attacks and abduction of Christian worshippers in Eruku Town of Kwara State.
Expressing concern over the abduction in Kebbi State, the Director General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the incident as a reprehensible act that violates the fundamental rights of children to safety and education, emphasising that such actions undermine national efforts to promote access to education, particularly for the girl-child.
Issa-Onilu emphasised that no child seeking education should ever be put at risk, stressing that schools must remain safe spaces where children can learn, grow and aspire without fear.
On the attack on Christian worshippers in Eruku Town of Kwara State, the DG, who expressed his heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, also described it as a senseless and unacceptable act that threatens the peace, unity, and religious harmony that Nigerians have worked hard to build.
He reiterated that freedom of worship is a fundamental right enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, and any act that seeks to intimidate or harm citizens based on their faith is not only unlawful but deeply unpatriotic.
He assured the public that in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the security agencies are making concerted efforts, through coordinated security operations and intelligence gathering, to ensure the safe and swift return of the abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the worshippers in Kwara.
Speaking on the Agency’s efforts to address insecurity, he noted that the NOA’s monthly National Security Briefing is to keep the public informed about progress and achievements recorded by security and regulatory agencies across the country.
In a statement, Deputy Director of Communication & Media, Paul Odenyi, urged Nigerians to actively support the security agencies by providing timely and useful information that could aid in protecting lives and preventing further harm.