MURIC condemns brutal killing of abducted teacher, warns against religious tension in Oyo Crisis

Oyo State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly condemned the recent abduction incident at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, alleging that the death toll linked to the attack has risen to three.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the State Secretary of MURIC, Amb. Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, the Islamic human rights organisation described the killings and abductions as “callous, wicked and barbaric,” while demanding urgent intervention from security agencies and government authorities.

According to the group, information available to it indicates that one teacher and a commercial motorcyclist were reportedly killed during the attack, while another abducted teacher was allegedly beheaded by the kidnappers while in captivity.

MURIC said a disturbing video allegedly released by the abductors, showing the gruesome execution of the teacher, highlights the growing brutality of criminal elements operating across parts of the country.

“The horrifying video allegedly released by the abductors has further exposed the frightening level of brutality now being unleashed on innocent Nigerians by criminal elements,” the statement read.

The organisation lamented what it described as the deteriorating security situation in rural communities, warning that schools and vulnerable settlements are increasingly becoming targets for armed criminals.

“It is a tragic reminder of the deteriorating security situation in many parts of the country. Schools are no longer safe. Rural communities are under siege. Innocent citizens now live in fear while criminals continue to operate with audacity,” MURIC stated.

The group commiserated with the bereaved families, the management of Community High School, the people of Ahoro-Esinle community, Oriire Local Government Area, and the Oyo State Government over the tragic development.

MURIC also noted that among those abducted were innocent pupils, many of whom are reportedly Muslims, while several of the affected teachers are Christians. The organisation therefore cautioned Nigerians against attaching ethnic or religious sentiments to the incident.

“Criminality knows no religion. An attack on one innocent Nigerian is an attack on all,” the group stressed.

The organisation acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Oyo State Government and security agencies, especially reports indicating that some suspects connected to the incident had been arrested.

It also sympathised with security operatives, including members of the Amotekun Corps and local vigilantes, who reportedly lost their lives during rescue operations after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by the abductors.

Despite the ongoing operations, MURIC insisted that more urgent and decisive actions were required to secure the release of the remaining captives.

“Mere promises and routine assurances are no longer enough. The remaining abducted teachers and pupils must be rescued alive and without delay. Every second counts,” the statement added.

The organisation subsequently called on the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps and other security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and surveillance operations to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.

MURIC further advocated for a comprehensive security audit of vulnerable schools and rural communities across Oyo State, insisting that authorities must adopt proactive security measures to prevent future attacks.

“Government must not wait until more innocent lives are wasted before taking proactive steps. Preventive security is cheaper than mourning the dead,” the organisation stated.

The group also urged communities to expose local collaborators and informants allegedly aiding kidnappers with logistics and intelligence, warning that residents must stop shielding criminals.

“Nigeria cannot continue like this. Citizens deserve the right to live, learn, work and travel without fear of abduction or violent death. Government at all levels must rise to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property,” the statement concluded.

MURIC prayed for the repose of the deceased, speedy recovery for injured security personnel, and the safe release of those still being held captive.