ORIIRE ABDUCTION: STOP LINKING CRIMINAL ACTS TO PRESIDENTIAL AMBITIONS WITHOUT EVIDENCE – OKANLOMO OODUA

The Okanlomo Oodua and Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi has cautioned political leaders and public office holders against politicizing security challenges, warning that unverified political narratives surrounding criminal incidents could fuel speculation and undermine ongoing security efforts.

The prominent Ibadan chief made the call in a public statement against the backdrop of reactions surrounding the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

According to him, security remains too sensitive and important to be dragged into political debates, partisan narratives or electoral calculations, particularly at moments when victims and their families are facing trauma and uncertainty.

He stressed that the immediate priority following any security incident should be the protection of lives, safe rescue of victims and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

“At moments of national tragedy, our primary concern should be the protection of lives, the safe rescue of victims, and the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible not political interpretations or electoral calculations,” he stated.

The Okanlomo Oodua further warned against linking the Oriire abduction or similar criminal incidents to political declarations or presidential ambitions without credible evidence from relevant security agencies.

He maintained that allegations of political motivation must be backed by verifiable facts and the findings of competent security authorities, rather than speculation or political interpretation.

“Any attempt to associate such a criminal act with a political declaration or presidential ambition should be supported by credible evidence from the relevant security agencies. Without such evidence, such claims risk creating unnecessary speculation, diverting public attention and undermining confidence in ongoing security efforts,” he said.

He described the Oriire incident as a painful reminder of the security challenges confronting Nigeria, insisting that the fight against kidnapping, terrorism and other forms of criminality requires cooperation across political, ethnic and religious divides.

According to him, security should serve as a rallying point for national unity rather than become another battleground for political controversy.

“Security is a shared national responsibility. It should unite leaders across political, ethnic and religious divides in a common determination to defeat criminality. Our words must inspire confidence, support the work of security agencies and demonstrate compassion for victims and their families,” he added.

The Okanlomo Oodua therefore urged political leaders, public office holders and stakeholders to exercise restraint and ensure that their public comments on security matters are responsible, factual and capable of strengthening public confidence.

He maintained that Nigeria’s security challenges require unity, professionalism and collective resolve, stressing that the safety of citizens must always take precedence over partisan politics and electoral interests.

He also prayed for continued divine protection over Nigeria, strength for security personnel, comfort for affected families and lasting peace across Oyo State and the country.