Oyo abductions: Abia NAWOJ condemns hostage of victims, demands immediate rescue

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

The abduction of scores of school children and teachers in a school in Oyo state has continued to elicit reactions from stakeholders across the country.

Well meaning citizens had condemned the kidnap and enjoined authorities to be alive to their duties.

Just recently , the Nigeria union of teachers (NUT) organised a nationwide protest where it demanded for the release of the teachers as well as the learners.

Adding their voices to the outcry over inhuman treatment meted out on minors, men and women forcefully taken from a school in Oyo state, the Nigeria women of journalists in Abia state has condemned in totality the development.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday in Umuahia, the chairperson, Norah Okafor said “the statement had become necessary given the prolonged ordeal of these children whose only offence was attending school in pursuit of education and a brighter future for themselves and the nation.”

Standing in solidarity with the victims, she has urged all female workers in the banks, schools, media, etc to support the call for the release of the victims while urging all female journalists in the state to put on a touch of red colour daily until the kidnapped are freed and returned safely.

“Until these children regain their freedom, female journalists across Abia State are encouraged to wear a touch of red as a symbol of our collective pain, grief, and solidarity with the victims and their families.Enough is Enough,” it said.

“It is deeply troubling that while many leaders sleep comfortably, with their own children secure at home and abroad, the children of ordinary Nigerians whose parents faithfully pay taxes are left to suffer the consequences of the insecurity that continues to plague our nation,” the statement read.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENAWOJ

Abia Condemns Kidnap and Prolonged Captivity of Schoolchildren in Oyo StateThe Abia State Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) strongly condemns the kidnapping and over one-week captivity of schoolchildren in Oyo State.This statement has become necessary in view of the .We therefore call on all female journalists, bankers, professionals, and women from all walks of life to rise in defence of these innocent girls and boys who have been held captive in a forest through no fault of their ownven more disturbing is the reported beheading of a teacher, yet life appears to have continued as though the sanctity of human life no longer matters in our society.We raise our voices in unison to say “No” to this growing menace and call on the government and security agencies to deploy every available resource toward the immediate rescue and release of these children. Particular attention must be given to the welfare and safety of the girls, who may be exposed to unimaginable physical and psychological trauma while in captivity..Ambassador Norah OkaforChairpersonNigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ)Abia State Chapter