Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has assured families of pupils and teachers abducted in communities around Oriire Local Government Area that his administration will do everything possible within the law to secure their release.
Makinde gave the assurance on Saturday during a visit to Ahoro-Esiele community, where he met affected families, community leaders, and residents at L.A. Basic School.
Speaking to the gathering, the governor said the government shared the pain of the families and remained focused on bringing the victims home safely.
“I understand the pain and anxiety that many of you are experiencing at this moment. As your government, we share your concerns, and we are fully committed to securing the safe return of our children and their teachers,” he said.
He said security agencies had been working nonstop since the abduction, with rescue plans under constant review. According to him, meetings with security commanders are held twice daily.
“Please believe in me. I have not been sleeping well myself. Together with the service commanders, we meet twice every day, one in the morning and one at night, sometimes until 10 or 11 p.m.,” he said.
Makinde explained that some details could not be made public because “The people we are dealing with are dangerous and unpredictable.”
He urged Nigerians to avoid politicising the incident, saying: “This is not the time to trade blame between the state government, the federal government, local governments, or any other institution. This is a time for unity. Let us come together with one purpose: to rescue our children and their teachers safely.”
Describing the abduction as unusual, he said: “There is nowhere in Nigeria where we have seen this sort of situation where nursery primary school students are kidnapped.”
Relatives of the victims appealed for sustained rescue efforts, while community leaders expressed hope that the abductees would be rescued and peace restored.
