By Tobias Ndudi
The founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie,
has raised fresh questions over the recent abduction of schoolchildren and
teachers in Oyo State, wondering why kidnappers continue to operate without
being caught despite the surveillance capabilities available to security
agencies.
Speaking during a church service at the headquarters of
Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt, the outspoken cleric reacted to the
shocking attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where
dozens of pupils and teachers were taken away by armed men.
The incident, which happened on 15 May, has stirred anger
and concern across the country, particularly among parents and education stakeholders
worried about the safety of children in schools.
Reports indicate that gunmen stormed schools in the
Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities, carrying off about 46 people, including 39
students and seven teachers, in what has been described as one of the most
serious attacks on schools in southern Nigeria in recent years.
While addressing the congregation, Ibiyeomie suggested that
such large-scale kidnappings could not happen without the backing of
influential individuals. Although he did not provide evidence for the claim, he
argued that criminals carrying out such operations may have powerful sponsors
working behind the scenes.
According to him, it is difficult to believe that armed
groups can repeatedly kidnap people and escape justice when modern technology
allows security agencies to trace communications and track suspects.
The pastor questioned why those responsible are rarely
identified or arrested, saying the situation has left many Nigerians puzzled
and frustrated.
Beyond the issue of insecurity, Ibiyeomie also turned his
attention to key democratic institutions, particularly the judiciary and the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He appealed to both institutions to protect their integrity
and maintain public confidence, stressing that Nigerians need trustworthy
institutions that can stand above political influence.
The cleric expressed concern over what he described as
conflicting court decisions on similar legal matters, warning that such
inconsistencies could weaken citizens’ faith in the justice system.
According to him, institutions should remain strong
regardless of who occupies political office, adding that their responsibility
is to serve the nation and survive long after individual politicians have left
the scene.
Ibiyeomie also urged public office holders to think
carefully about the legacy they will leave behind. He said actions taken today
could shape how future generations remember them, either positively or
negatively.
The pastor further criticised some religious leaders whom he
accused of compromising their principles for financial or political benefits.
He maintained that spiritual leaders should be willing to speak the truth
rather than support individuals whose actions they do not genuinely believe in.
He said he personally refuses to pray for people whose
conduct he cannot support, insisting that his conscience would not permit him
to do otherwise.
Bringing his message to a close, Ibiyeomie offered prayers
for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers. Expressing hope that
they would regain their freedom, he declared that Nigeria would overcome its
security challenges and called for divine intervention against those
responsible for violence and kidnapping across the country.
The Oyo school abduction has once again revived painful
memories of previous mass kidnappings in places such as Chibok, Dapchi and Kuriga,
incidents that continue to haunt the nation years after they occurred.
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