Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reassured residents that his administration remains fully committed to securing the safe release of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The governor gave the assurance during a visit to L.A. Basic School, Ahoro-Esiele, where he led a delegation of government officials and political associates to sympathise with the families of the victims and members of the affected community.
Speaking during the visit, Makinde appealed to residents to remain patient and cooperative while security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the abductees. He urged the public to avoid blaming either the federal or state government and instead support ongoing efforts aimed at bringing the victims home safely.
The governor described the incident as a heartbreaking and unprecedented tragedy, particularly because it involved the abduction of young schoolchildren. He expressed deep sympathy for the affected families and acknowledged the emotional trauma being experienced by the community.
According to him, regardless of any grievances the kidnappers may claim to have, the abduction of innocent children and teachers is cruel, unacceptable and inhumane.
Makinde also paid tribute to operatives of the Western Security Network, known as Amotekun, noting that some personnel have made the ultimate sacrifice while combating insecurity across the state.
He revealed that since the incident occurred, he has been holding security meetings twice daily and working closely with relevant security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
The governor commended security commanders for their dedication to protecting lives and property and called on residents to continue praying for the success of ongoing rescue operations.
“I have come here today because of you. This government is accountable to the people. By the grace of God and with your cooperation, we will bring back our children and teachers safely,” he said.
Makinde stressed that the priority should be the rescue of the abductees rather than engaging in political blame games.
“This is not the time to argue over whether the state or federal government should take responsibility. It is a time for all of us to unite and focus on bringing our children and their teachers back home,” he added.
During the visit, relatives of some of the abducted victims made emotional appeals to the governor, urging him to intensify efforts toward securing the release of their loved ones.
Among those who spoke were Professor Wole Alamu, husband of the abducted school principal; Mrs. Funmilayo Ojo, whose daughter-in-law and four grandchildren remain in captivity; and Mr. Aliu Saidi, a relative of one of the victims.
The governor later held a closed-door meeting with families of the abducted teachers and pupils, where he provided updates on ongoing rescue efforts and reaffirmed the government’s determination to secure their freedom.
The abduction occurred on May 15 when suspected gunmen invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, kidnapping 45 teachers and pupils.
Days after the attack, reports emerged that one of the abducted teachers, a Mathematics instructor, had been killed by the kidnappers, further deepening public concern over the fate of those still being held.
The incident sparked widespread outrage across the state, prompting assurances from both Governor Makinde and President Bola Tinubu that every effort would be made to rescue the victims and bring those responsible to justice.
However, with many of the abductees still in captivity more than two weeks after the incident, anxiety continues to grow among residents and concerned stakeholders.
The frustration culminated in a peaceful protest in Ogbomoso last Monday, where teachers suspended academic activities and marched to the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) office to demand urgent government intervention.
Carrying placards with various messages, the protesters called on authorities to intensify rescue operations and strengthen security measures around schools to ensure safer learning environments for students and education workers across the state.
Makinde Reassures Families of Abducted Oyo Teachers, Pupils, Vows Safe Return
