Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured residents that his administration will continue to deploy every available effort to secure the safe return of the teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The governor gave the assurance during a visit to L.A. Basic School, Ahoro-Esiele, where he led a delegation of government officials to commiserate with the families and relatives of the victims.
Addressing members of the community, Makinde appealed for patience, understanding and cooperation, urging residents to avoid apportioning blame to either the federal or state government and instead unite behind efforts to rescue the abductees.
“Don’t cry. I have come here today because of you. You installed this government. I want to let you know that this government is responsible to you. By the grace of God and your cooperation, we will bring back our children and the teachers,” Makinde said.
“Please, I want you to cooperate with us because we are doing everything humanly possible to get our children and teachers back,” he added.
“This is not the time to start trading blame on who should be responsible for the release of these children between the state and federal government. This is just the time to come together to rescue our children and their teachers. I feel your pain but have trust in us.”
The governor sympathised with the affected families, describing the incident as unprecedented, particularly because it involved the abduction of underage children. He noted that regardless of any grievances the abductors may claim to have, their actions remain cruel, unacceptable and inhumane.
Makinde disclosed that since the abduction occurred, he has been holding security meetings twice daily and working closely with relevant security agencies to facilitate the safe return of the victims. He commended security commanders for their dedication and commitment to protecting lives and property in the state.
During the visit, family members of some of the abducted victims made emotional appeals to the governor. Among them were Professor Wole Alamu, husband of the abducted school principal; Mrs Funmilayo Ojo, whose daughter-in-law and four grandchildren are among those being held captive; and Mr Aliu Saidi, a relative of one of the victims. They urged the governor to intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of their loved ones.
The abduction occurred on May 15 when suspected gunmen stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, and kidnapped 45 pupils and teachers. Tragedy struck days later when one of the abducted teachers, reportedly a Mathematics teacher, was said to have been killed by the attackers.
The incident drew widespread condemnation, with both Governor Makinde and President Bola Tinubu promising swift action to rescue the victims. However, with many of the abductees still in captivity more than two weeks after the attack, concerns have continued to mount across Oyo State. The growing frustration culminated in a peaceful protest last Monday in Ogbomoso, where teachers suspended classroom activities and marched to demand urgent government intervention.
