By Dr. Isaiah Paul
Popular Nigerian televangelist, missionary and Senior Pastor of Wells of Revival Church Inc., Dr. Isaiah Paul, has called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue 46 schoolchildren and their teachers abducted by terrorists in Oyo State, as well as other kidnapping victims across Nigeria.
The Bureau Journal reports that the cleric made the appeal in a statement issued on Wednesday, June 4, 2026, expressing deep concern over the worsening security situation in the country.
Concern Over Abduction of Schoolchildren in Oyo State
Dr. Isaiah Paul described the trauma experienced by the abducted children, their families, and communities as heartbreaking, noting reports that a teacher was killed by the abductors during the incident.
He said the presence of a two-year-old child among the victims highlights the urgent need for decisive action to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
Wider Pattern of Insecurity Across Nigeria
According to him, while attention has focused on the Oyo State abduction, similar incidents of kidnapping and violent attacks continue to occur across different parts of the country.
He warned that residents of the South-West are increasingly living in fear, while other regions have long grappled with comparable security threats.
Socio-Economic Factors Driving Insecurity
Dr. Isaiah Paul argued that Nigeria’s current socio-economic structure leaves millions of young people without access to quality education, skills development, and employment opportunities.
He said this gap contributes significantly to the rise in banditry, kidnapping, corruption, and cybercrime across the country.
Call for National Reflection and Reform
The cleric urged Nigerians not to delay conversations about the country’s future, stressing the need for urgent national dialogue to build a more inclusive and economically stable society.
He also challenged Nigeria’s elite class to take the lead in driving such discussions and developing a shared national vision that promotes unity, opportunity, and development for all citizens.
“Continuing on our current path is not an option. We must see our challenges as opportunities to build a nation that works for everyone,” he said.
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