The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has described the recent abduction of 25 female students of the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga town in Kebbi State as a reprehensible act that violates the fundamental rights of children to safety and education.
The was as the Agency also condemned in strong terms the violent attacks and abduction of Christian worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.
while condemning in very strong terms, the abduction, and the violent attacks and abduction of Christian worshippers in Eruku Town of Kwara State,
Director General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, who expressed serious concerns over the abduction of the students in Kebbi State, stressed 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, insisting that schools must remain safe spaces where children can learn, grow and aspire without fear.
Commenting on the violent attack on Christian worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, Issa-Onilu while expressing his heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, described it as a senseless and unacceptable act that threatens the peace, unity, and religious harmony that Nigerians have worked hard to build.
The DG NOA emphasised that freedom of worship is a fundamental right enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, stressing that any act that seeks to intimidate or harm citizens based on their faith is not only unlawful but deeply unpatriotic.
Issa-Onilu assured the public that in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 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 efforts to address insecurity, Issa-Onilu 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.
A statement by Paul Odenyi, Deputy Director, Communication & Media of the NOA, stated that Issa-Onilu urged Nigerians to actively support the security agencies by providing timely and useful information that could aid in protecting lives and preventing further harm.
