Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has assured residents that his administration will continue to deploy every available effort to secure the safe return of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The governor gave the assurance on Saturday during a visit to L.A Basic School, Ahoro Esiele, where he met with families and relatives of the victims to sympathise with them over the incident.
Makinde appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, urging them not to engage in blame games between the federal and state governments but instead support ongoing rescue efforts.
According to the governor, the abduction involving school children is unprecedented and deeply troubling, noting that the entire state shares in the pain of the affected families and communities.
He condemned the actions of the abductors, describing the incident as cruel, unacceptable and inhumane, regardless of any grievances they may claim to have.
Makinde disclosed that his administration has intensified security coordination since the incident occurred, revealing that he has been holding security meetings twice daily in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed.
He also recalled sacrifices made by operatives of the Western Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, some of whom lost their lives while tackling insecurity across the state.
The governor commended security commanders for their commitment and dedication to protecting lives and property, while also calling on residents to continue praying for the safe release of 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.
“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.”
During the visit, family members of some of the abducted victims made emotional appeals to the governor to intensify efforts toward their release.
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 kidnapped; and Mr. Aliu Saidi, a relative of one of the victims.
They urged the governor to use every possible means to ensure their loved ones return safely.
Makinde later held a private meeting with the families of the abducted pupils and teachers, where discussions centred on ongoing rescue operations and the government’s commitment to securing the release of the victims.
The governor was accompanied on the visit by several political leaders, traditional rulers, security officials and top government functionaries, including the governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi; member representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, Hon. Stanley Olajide; and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi.
Others on the entourage included Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola; Special Adviser on Security, Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro; Executive Assistant on Security Matters, CP Sunday Odukoya (Rtd); and the Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran.
