The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) has condemned the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State and the reported killing of one of the victims, calling on the Federal Government to take urgent measures to address worsening insecurity across the country.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the group expressed concern over the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026, noting that several victims remain in captivity.
The forum also expressed shock over the reported killing of an abducted teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, describing the incident as disturbing and a reflection of the growing security challenges facing the country.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the gruesome murder of one of the abducted teachers, Mr Michael Oyedokun. This level of wickedness and terrorism is heartbreaking and terrifying to Nigerians across the world,” Olamide said.
According to the group, the increasing cases of kidnapping, terrorism and violent attacks indicate that insecurity has reached an alarming level, adding that government authorities should focus more on tackling criminal activities.
“It is painful that while terrorists continue to terrorise communities and destroy lives, security agencies often appear more interested in harassing activists, intimidating dissenting voices and unlawfully detaining citizens who speak truth to power. This is a clear case of misplaced priorities,” the statement added.
The ENF urged the Federal Government to move beyond what it described as “mere statements and political propaganda” and take practical steps to improve security and protect citizens.
The forum also criticised policies that allegedly seek to integrate arrested “repentant terrorists” into the nation’s security system, warning that such measures could undermine public confidence.
“A nation battling insecurity cannot afford to reward criminality while victims continue to suffer,” Olamide stated.
The group called for intensified rescue efforts to secure the release of the remaining abducted students and teachers, a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s security architecture, support and compensation for victims’ families, and an end to the alleged intimidation of activists and citizens.
The ENF further raised concerns over what it described as the insensitive treatment of nursing students under the LAUTECH Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programme.
The forum alleged that some nursing students are being compelled to travel to Ogbomoso for examinations, documentation and collection of academic credentials despite security concerns.
“At a period of severe insecurity across the country, it is unfortunate that some staff still compel nurses to travel for matters that can conveniently be resolved online,” the statement said.
The group called on the Oyo State Government to investigate allegations of negligence, corruption and poor administrative practices within the LAUTECH ODL system, stressing that technology should be used to ease academic processes rather than expose students and health workers to risks.
ENF also extended condolences to the family of the late teacher and expressed hope for the safe rescue of those still in captivity.
