Nigerians' Safety Takes Center Stage Over 2027 Elections - Najeem Salaam

The candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the August 15 Osun State governorship poll, Najeem Salaam, has strongly condemned the gruesome beheading of a teacher abducted by suspected bandits in Oyo State. Salaam said the protection of Nigerians must be accorded priority over issues bordering on 2027 general elections. Salaam, in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, said the abduction of Mr Michael Oyedokun and others in Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, was a dangerous reflection of the worsening insecurity confronting the country. He described the killing as barbaric and heartbreaking, noting that the “Continuous killing and abduction of innocent Nigerians have become unacceptable.” The statement partly read, “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 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.” • NDC clears Peter Obi for presidential primary • Tinubu doesn’t fully trust me because I supported Peter Obi — Cubana Chief Priest • Delta APC hails Okowa, Dafinone, Joel-Onowakpo over senatorial primary victories The former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly subsequently charged the Federal Government and security agencies to rise urgently to the security challenges facing the nation, insisting that the protection of lives and property must take priority over political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections. He called on security agencies to intensify efforts towards ensuring the safe and immediate rescue of the remaining abductees, urging the government to deploy every necessary strategy and resource to secure their release. According to him, the tragic incident should serve as a wake-up call to leaders across the country that insecurity has become a national emergency requiring sincere and decisive action. He condoled the family of the deceased teacher, his colleagues, students, and the people of Oyo State over the painful incident. Recall that on Friday, bandits attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where about 30 students and teachers were kidnapped, while two persons were killed. Some armed bandits storm the community and abduct staff, students, and pupils from three schools, Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.