- Najeem Salaam condemned the killing of abducted teacher Michael Oyedokun in Oyo State, describing the act as barbaric and heartbreaking
- The ADC governorship candidate said Nigeria’s worsening insecurity should be treated as a national emergency above 2027 political discussions
- He urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue remaining abductees and strengthen national security systems
The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, Najeem Salaam, has strongly condemned the gruesome beheading of a teacher abducted by suspected bandits in Oyo State, describing the incident as barbaric and deeply heartbreaking.
Salaam said the protection of Nigerians must take priority over political activities and discussions surrounding the 2027 general elections, warning that the country’s worsening insecurity should be treated as a national emergency.
In a statement obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, the former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly reacted to the abduction of Mr Michael Oyedokun and other victims at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He said the killing reflects the alarming rise in violent crimes across the country and the increasing vulnerability of ordinary citizens, particularly educators and schoolchildren.
“The rising wave of insecurity across the country has reached an alarming level. It is painful that teachers and other innocent Nigerians are now easy targets for kidnappers and criminal elements,” the statement read.
Salaam stressed that the continuous killing and abduction of Nigerians had become unacceptable, insisting that urgent steps must be taken to restore safety and public confidence in the country’s security system.
He added that “the lives of Nigerians are more important than 2027 politicking,” urging leaders at all levels to shift focus towards governance and the protection of lives rather than early political positioning ahead of future elections.
According to him, governance must be centred on safeguarding communities, protecting citizens, and strengthening the nation’s security architecture to prevent further deterioration.
“The lives of Nigerians are more important than 2027 politicking. Governance must be about protecting the people, securing communities, and restoring confidence in the nation’s security architecture,” he stated.
Salaam also called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to address the rising wave of insecurity, urging them to act swiftly to secure the release of remaining abductees and bring perpetrators to justice.
He further appealed for the deployment of all necessary resources and intelligence to ensure the safe rescue of victims still in captivity, describing the situation as one that requires immediate and decisive intervention.
The ADC candidate also extended condolences to the family of the deceased teacher, his colleagues, students, and the people of Oyo State, describing the incident as a painful loss that has shaken the community.
Recall that armed bandits recently attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting about 30 students and teachers while also killing two people in the process. The affected schools include Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
The incident has continued to spark widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and rural communities across the country.