By Ayomide Otitoju
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured residents that his administration is intensifying efforts to secure the safe return of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Makinde gave the assurance on Thursday during a visit to L.A. Basic School, Ahoro-Esiele, where he met with community members, families of the victims, and political stakeholders to commiserate with them over the incident.
The governor appealed for calm, patience and unity, urging residents not to assign blame to either the state or federal government but to support ongoing rescue operations.
He described the abduction as a painful and unprecedented tragedy, especially given that children were among those taken, and said his administration shared in the grief of affected families.
Makinde also acknowledged the efforts and sacrifices of security operatives, including members of the Western Security Network, Amotekun, some of whom, he said, had lost their lives in the line of duty.
He disclosed that he has been holding security briefings twice daily since the incident occurred and is working closely with security agencies to ensure the victims’ safe return.
“I want you to cooperate with us because we are doing everything humanly possible to get our children and teachers back,” the governor said.
“This is not the time for blame. This is the time to come together to rescue our children and their teachers.”
During the visit, family members of the abducted victims made emotional appeals for urgent action, including relatives of the school principal and pupils still in captivity.
Makinde later held a closed-door meeting with the families, where he provided updates on ongoing rescue efforts and reaffirmed government’s commitment to securing their release.
The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked schools in Esiele, Oriire LGA, and kidnapped 45 pupils and teachers. One of the abducted teachers was later reported killed by the attackers.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation and renewed calls for improved security in schools, with protests staged in parts of the state demanding swift government intervention and stronger protection for students and staff.
