By Ayomide Otitoju
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for greater collaboration among all levels of government and security agencies to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in the Yawota and Ahoro Esinele communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
Makinde made the appeal on Tuesday while receiving members and leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who staged a peaceful solidarity rally at the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan to demand the safe return of the abductees.
Describing the incident as a matter of national concern, the governor cautioned against politicising the abductions or engaging in blame games, stressing the need for unity in addressing the security challenge.
“This is a time of national distress. It is not the time to trade blame or play politics,” Makinde said. “This is the time to pull together as one and confront the challenge before us.”
The governor, whose father was a primary school teacher in a community near the scene of the incident, said the abduction deeply affected him personally and underscored the gravity of the situation.
He noted that the perpetrators of the crime were not acting rationally and urged students, workers and teachers to maintain confidence in the government’s efforts to secure the victims’ release.
Makinde disclosed that the state government is working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.
“I have been meeting regularly with security operatives and engaging with the Federal Government. We must not give room to those who seek to divide us. Our focus should be on bringing back our children and teachers safely,” he said.
The governor assured the protesters that his administration would consider proposals aimed at strengthening the state’s security architecture once the victims are rescued.
He stressed that insecurity poses a major threat to education, healthcare delivery and economic development, noting that sustained efforts would continue at both the state and federal levels to tackle the menace.
“In an atmosphere of insecurity, schools, hospitals and economic activities cannot thrive. That is why we must remain united and committed to overcoming this challenge,” he added.
In separate remarks, National President of NANS, Akinteye Babatunde; Oyo State Chairman of the NLC, Kayode Martins; and Chairman of the Oyo State Wing of the NUT, Hassan Fatai, commended the governor’s response to the crisis while urging the government to intensify efforts toward the swift release of the abductees.
The labour and student leaders condemned the kidnapping and killing of innocent citizens, describing the perpetrators as enemies of the nation.
They also called for enhanced security measures around schools and other public institutions to ensure a safer environment for learning and community development.
The pupils and teachers were abducted from their schools about two weeks ago, sparking widespread outrage and protests across the state.
