JAS terrorists behind abduction of Oyo schoolchildren, teachers – DHQ

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Nigerian military has confirmed that the recent abduction of students, pupils and teachers Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State was carried out by terrorists of the JAS Group that have been dislodged by troops from other parts of the country.

Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Information made the confirmation on Thursday evening in a statement.

The statement was issued to clarify earlier claim by Defence Headquarters that terrorists have not established a base in the Southwest in spite of the abduction of the students and their teachers.

Analysts have faulted the claim of Defence Headquarters that terrorists have no operational base in the Southwest.

Some had also pointed out that the claim is against assertions by some of the leaders of Oyo State, including Governor Seyi Makinde that terrorists were behind the mass abduction of teachers and students.

Others also accused the military of attempting to downplay the security challenge in the South West region.

However, DHQ, in its Thursday’s statement said its assertion was made to provide an intelligence-based context regarding the security in the South West to prevent misinformation and public panic.

It also agreed that terrorists were behind the last Friday’s abduction of students, pupils and teachers in Oyo State.

“The recent incidence of kidnap in Oyo State was clearly perpetrated by terrorists of the JAS Group that have been dislodged from other parts of the country due to high intensity operations being conducted all over,” DHQ said in the statement

It also dismissed claim that its earlier statement was meant to downplay the security challenges facing the Southwest.

“For clarity, at no time did the Defence Headquarters undermine the authority of any democratically elected leader or sought to diminish the gravity of the heinous crime committed against innocent citizens by terrorist elements.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to supporting constitutional governance, protecting democratic institutions and working collaboratively with all levels of government to safeguard the nation.

“It is therefore inaccurate and misleading to suggest that the Defence Headquarters, at any point, referred to vicious and violent terrorists as criminals.

“Troops remain actively deployed across the affected areas in coordination with other security agencies and local stakeholders.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains resolute in dismantling all criminal and terrorist networks threatening the peace, stability and unity of the nation.

The abduction of 29 students, pupils and seven teachers from Community High School, LEA Basic School, Ahoro Esinele, and First Baptist School, Yawota, had shocked Nigerians and had continued to attract widespread concern.

The terrorists had also beheaded one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun and posted the gory video of the abduction on the social media.

Meanwhile, Oyo State Police Command has dismissed claims that the students and their teachers have been rescued.