Najeem Salaam Condemns Killing Of Abducted Teacher, Says Nigerians’ Safety More Important Than 2027 Politics
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the August 15 Osun State election, Najeem Salaam, has condemned the brutal killing of a teacher abducted by suspected bandits in Oyo State.
Salaam described the beheading of Mr. Michael Oyedokun as disturbing, heartbreaking, and a reflection of the worsening insecurity currently facing the country. He said the increasing rate of kidnappings and killings across Nigeria has become deeply alarming and requires urgent attention from the government and security agencies.
In a statement obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, the former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly reacted to the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where several students and teachers were abducted by armed men.
According to him, the incident highlights the growing danger faced by ordinary Nigerians, including teachers and schoolchildren, who have increasingly become targets of criminal groups operating across different parts of the country.
Salaam stressed that the protection of lives and property should take precedence over political activities and preparations for the 2027 general elections. He warned that governance would lose its meaning if citizens could no longer feel safe in their homes, schools, and communities.
“The lives of Nigerians must come before political calculations and 2027 campaigns. The primary responsibility of government is to secure lives, protect communities, and restore confidence in the nation’s security system,” he stated.
He further described the continued abduction and killing of innocent Nigerians as unacceptable, adding that the nation’s security challenges have reached a critical stage that demands sincere and decisive action from leaders at all levels.
The ADC candidate called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently intensify efforts aimed at rescuing the remaining abductees and bringing the perpetrators of the attack to justice. He urged authorities to deploy every available resource and strategy necessary to tackle insecurity and prevent further tragedies.
According to Salaam, the attack should serve as a wake-up call for political leaders across the country to treat insecurity as a national emergency rather than focusing solely on political contests and alignments ahead of future elections.
He also extended condolences to the family of the slain teacher, his colleagues, students, and the people of Oyo State over the painful incident.
The attack occurred last Friday when armed bandits reportedly invaded communities in Oriire Local Government Area, targeting three schools — Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
During the attack, about 30 students and teachers were reportedly abducted, while two persons lost their lives. The incident has since sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns over the security situation in the country, particularly in rural communities and educational institutions.
