DSS Files Fresh Terror Case Against Five Ansaru Suspects Over Deadly Oriire School Attack
The Department of State Services (DSS) has renewed its terrorism charges against five suspected members of the Ansaru terrorist group, who allegedly attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, on May 15, leaving dozens of children, families and teachers in the area traumatised.
The five defendants were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday on a six-count charge under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The suspects were allegedly involved in the attack on three schools in Oriire, where 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted. The children and teachers were held captive for 56 days before they were rescued by security operatives.
The attack had devastating consequences for the school community. Two teachers, Michael Oyedokun and John Olaleye, were killed during the time of captivity, and the other children and teachers spent weeks separated from their families, authorities said.
The DSS also claimed that the kidnappers had demanded the release of two of the defendants as part of the negotiations before the hostages were rescued.
Justice Salim Ibrahim directed the defendants to be kept in the custody of the DSS, while allowing them access to their lawyers and relatives. The case was adjourned for the beginning of trial on September 25.
The fresh prosecution is another step towards holding perpetrators of child crimes accountable for their actions, for child protection advocates. They say, however, that justice should go hand in hand with more robust measures to protect educational institutions, enhance school security and ensure that children are able to learn in safe environments, free from the fear of violence, abduction and terrorism.
The case is a stark reminder of the ongoing dangers children face in conflict-stricken communities in Nigeria.
