The National Association of Yoruba Descendants in North America (Egbe Omo Yoruba of North America) has urged the Federal Government to treat the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, as an opportunity to overhaul security around schools, warning that successful rescue operations should not replace long-term preventive measures.

While applauding security agencies for securing the children’s freedom, the diaspora organisation said the incident once again exposed persistent vulnerabilities within Nigeria’s education system and underscored the need for stronger intelligence gathering, coordinated security operations and community-based crime prevention.

In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Ayodeji Famuyide, and National General Secretary, Rotimi Kuteyi, the group said authorities must shift greater attention from emergency response to preventing attacks before they occur.

“The Ogbomoso abduction should serve as a wake-up call for authorities to strengthen preventive security frameworks rather than relying solely on rescue operations,” the association stated.

According to the organisation, governments at both federal and state levels should institutionalise regular joint security drills involving relevant agencies, establish seamless intelligence-sharing mechanisms and develop interoperable communication systems capable of supporting rapid responses during security emergencies.

It maintained that closer collaboration between security agencies and local communities would significantly improve early warning capabilities, urging the government to strengthen community intelligence networks while guaranteeing the protection of informants and ensuring that intelligence data is deployed responsibly.

Egbe Omo Yoruba also called for enhanced security architecture around schools across the country, recommending increased surveillance, child-sensitive protection measures and routine emergency preparedness exercises designed to safeguard pupils, teachers and school personnel.

Beyond physical security, the association urged governments to establish comprehensive emergency response frameworks specifically tailored to incidents involving children, with clearly assigned responsibilities for federal, state and local authorities to eliminate delays during crises.

The group further stressed that security reforms should extend beyond law enforcement, arguing that sustainable peace would require deliberate investment in youth development, education, poverty reduction and economic empowerment programmes capable of addressing conditions that often fuel criminal activities.

“Schools must remain sanctuaries of learning and growth,” the statement said, adding that transparent communication on security operations and their outcomes would strengthen public confidence while improving the effectiveness of future interventions.

While calling for broader reforms, the organisation commended President Bola Tinubu for what it described as effective coordination among security agencies that resulted in the safe rescue of the abducted pupils.

It equally praised the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies involved in the operation, describing their collaboration as evidence of what could be achieved through coordinated action.

The association also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue operation, particularly Lt F.A. Isaac, describing their sacrifice as a reminder of the risks borne daily by officers combating insecurity.

Reaffirming its commitment to Nigeria’s development, Egbe Omo Yoruba said it would continue to champion policies that strengthen national security, deepen institutional accountability and expand opportunities for citizens, insisting that protecting children and guaranteeing safe learning environments must remain a national priority.