Sam Adeyemi Demands Urgent Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Calls for National Dialogue

Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Sam Adeyemi, has called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the 46 schoolchildren and their teachers abducted by terrorists in Oyo State.

In a statement issued on Friday, Adeyemi condemned the worsening insecurity across the country and described the suffering of kidnapping victims and their families as deeply traumatic.

The cleric lamented the reported killing of one of the teachers allegedly beheaded by the abductors, describing the situation as heartbreaking.

According to him, the plight of the abducted victims, including a two-year-old child, has left families in severe emotional distress.

“However, these 46 are not alone; many more victims across Nigeria endure similar fates, their stories often going unheard,” he said.

Adeyemi warned that residents of South-West Nigeria are increasingly living in fear due to rising violence and insecurity, noting that similar security challenges have plagued other regions of the country for years.

The cleric also linked the growing insecurity to deeper socio-economic problems, arguing that millions of young Nigerians remain trapped in poverty, unemployment, and lack of education due to limited social mobility.

He said the situation has contributed to the rise of banditry, kidnapping, corruption, and cybercrime while stifling the potential of ordinary Nigerians.

Adeyemi called for an urgent national conversation about the future of Nigeria, urging citizens not to wait until conditions become unbearable before demanding change.

“The need for a national conversation about our country’s future is urgent,” he stated, adding that while some Nigerians desire an economically advanced nation, others appear indifferent to the country’s direction.

He urged the political and economic elite to take responsibility for convening a broad national dialogue aimed at building a more inclusive and prosperous society.

“Continuing on our current path is not an option. We must view our challenges as unprecedented opportunities to build a new nation that works for everyone,” Adeyemi added.

The pastor stressed that unity, intentional leadership, and collective action are necessary to address Nigeria’s growing security and economic challenges.