NAOS Fires Back at Ayodele Fayose Over Remarks on Orire Students' Abduction

The National Association of Oduduwa Students (NAOS) has strongly condemned the recent comments credited to former Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Ayodele Fayose, regarding the abduction of students in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

As a foremost Yoruba students' and youth cultural movement committed to the preservation of Oduduwa heritage, NAOS considers such remarks insensitive, unfortunate, and capable of diverting attention from the urgent task of securing the safe return of the abducted students.

The association notes with concern that at a time when families are traumatized and communities are living in fear, public figures should be promoting unity, cooperation, and constructive engagement rather than making statements that could deepen political divisions.

The issue of insecurity has become a national challenge affecting several states across Nigeria. Incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and violent attacks have been recorded in different parts of the country, including states in the South-West, North-Central, and Northern regions.

 Therefore, reducing such a complex security challenge to political accusations against a sitting governor is neither helpful nor responsible.

NAOS maintains that security remains a collective responsibility involving the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and citizens. The immediate priority should be the rescue of victims, the protection of lives and property, and the strengthening of intelligence gathering to prevent future occurrences.

We therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, and all relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards addressing the growing security concerns across the country.

Furthermore, we respectfully appeal to His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, and other revered traditional rulers across Yorubaland to continue promoting peace, unity, and responsible public discourse among political leaders and stakeholders in the interest of the Yoruba race and Nigeria as a whole.

NAOS wishes to remind all political actors that moments of national pain and tragedy should not be turned into platforms for political point-scoring. The welfare and safety of citizens, especially students and young people, must remain the primary concern of every leader.

The association stands in solidarity with the affected students, their families, and the people of Oyo State during this difficult period and reiterates its commitment to advocating for a safer and more secure society for all Nigerians.