Makinde Assures Families of Abducted Teachers, Pupils of Safe Return

…Vows to secure victims’ release, urges residents to support rescue efforts

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reassured families of teachers and schoolchildren abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state that his administration is doing everything possible to secure their safe return.

The governor gave the assurance on Saturday during a visit to L.A Basic School, Ahoro Esiele, where he met with relatives of the victims and members of the affected community to commiserate with them over the incident.

Makinde appealed for calm, understanding and cooperation from residents, urging them to avoid assigning blame to either the federal or state government while efforts are ongoing to rescue the abductees.

According to the governor, the priority at this time is ensuring the safe release of the victims rather than engaging in political accusations.

He described the abduction as a painful and unfortunate development, noting that it may be one of the first incidents in Nigeria involving the kidnapping of underage schoolchildren on such a scale.

While sympathising with the affected families, Makinde said he shared in their grief and concern, stressing that regardless of any grievances the abductors may have, the act remains cruel, inhumane and unacceptable.

The governor revealed that since the incident occurred, he has been holding security meetings twice daily and working closely with security agencies to coordinate rescue operations.

He also recalled the sacrifices made by operatives of the Western Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, some of whom have lost their lives while combating security threats across the state.

“I have come here because this government belongs to you and is responsible to you. By the grace of God and with your cooperation, we will bring back our children and teachers safely,” Makinde told the gathering.

He urged residents to support ongoing rescue efforts and continue to pray for the safe return of the victims.”This is not the time to trade blame between the state and federal governments.

It is a time for all of us to come together and ensure the rescue of our children and their teachers,” he added.

During the visit, relatives of the abductees made emotional appeals to the governor, urging him to intensify efforts to secure the release of their loved ones.

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 in captivity; and Mr. Aliu Saidi, a relative of one of the victims.

The family members expressed hope that the government and security agencies would succeed in bringing the abductees home safely and unharmed.

Makinde later held a private meeting with the families to discuss ongoing rescue efforts and reassure them of the government’s commitment to securing the victims’ release.

The governor was accompanied by political leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security chiefs and community stakeholders during the visit.

Those in attendance included the Allied People’s Movement (APM) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi; member representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, Hon. Stanley Olajide; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola; Special Adviser on Security, Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro, among other dignitaries.