The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu has described the recent violent attacks on Christian worshippers in Eruku Town of Kwara State and the abduction of 25 Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State as a reprehensible act that violates the fundamental rights of children to safety and education.
According to the DG, such actions undermine national efforts to promote access to education, particularly for the girl-child.
While expressing concern over the abduction of these school children, Issa-Onilu emphasized that no child seeking education should ever be put at risk, noting that schools must remain safe spaces where children can learn, grow and aspire without fear.
He further condemned the attack on Christian worshippers in Eruku Town of Kwara State and described it as a senseless and unacceptable act that threatens the peace, unity, and religious harmony that Nigerians have worked hard to build.
The NOA DG however expressed his heartfelt condolences to the victims and families.
He reiterated that freedom of worship is a fundamental right enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, and any act that seeks to intimidate or harm citizens based on their faith is not only unlawful but deeply unpatriotic.
Speaking on the Agency’s 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.
He called on Nigerians to actively support the security agencies by providing timely and useful information that could aid in protecting lives and preventing further harm.
He assured the public that in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the 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.