The Guide of Online Media Editors and Publishers (GOMEP) has condemned the abduction of more than 40 pupils, students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, calling for the immediate and unconditional rescue of those still held captive.
In a press statement signed by Comrade Tochukwu Eluwa, National Publicity Secretary, and issued on May 20, 2026, GOMEP frowned at the beheaded of the Mathematics teacher, describing the act as a “direct assault on education, humanity, and the collective conscience of the nation.”
The group warned that the episode underscores growing insecurity and an alarming trend of attacks on schools and rural communities.
GOMEP urged the Federal and Oyo State governments and security agencies — including the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Civil Defence to move beyond condemnations and deploy “every available security and intelligence resource” to secure the immediate release of the victims and bring perpetrators to justice.
“Nigerians are tired of repeated stories of abductions, killings, and bloodshed without concrete and lasting solutions,” the statement added, demanding that the lives of the pupils and teachers should not be subjected to negotiations, politics, or delays.
The group also called on government authorities to strengthen protection around schools, especially in rural areas, and appealed to community leaders, traditional rulers, religious bodies, civil society groups and citizens to support efforts to tackle insecurity and protect vulnerable communities.
GOMEP described the murder of the teacher as “brutal” and said such acts must never be normalized in Nigeria.
The statement concluded that protecting lives and property is the primary responsibility of government and urged urgent, serious, and accountable action.