Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State on Sunday visited Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, at his private residence in Ibadan to sympathise with the government and people of the state over the abduction of teachers and pupils in Yawota and Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Oyo State Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Governor Mohammed was accompanied by leaders of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), including the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, and its Bauchi State governorship candidate, Dr Yakubu Adamu.
The Bauchi governor called for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security architecture to better safeguard citizens and tackle the growing insecurity across the country.
While commending Governor Makinde’s efforts towards securing the release of the abducted teachers and pupils, Mohammed expressed confidence that the victims would soon regain their freedom.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, he said: “I am here with our leaders from the Allied People’s Movement to commiserate with our presidential candidate and the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, over the ordeal that the people and government of Oyo State are facing as a result of the abduction of our schoolchildren and their teachers.
“It has been a lingering issue for some time, and we are sharing in the grief. We are here to encourage him because what he is doing to ensure their release is being noticed across the nation. On behalf of myself and the government and people of Bauchi State, we sympathise with him and encourage him to continue efforts to secure the release of these Nigerians.”
Mohammed also expressed his readiness to support the Oyo State Government in any way possible to facilitate the safe return of the abductees.
He noted that the visit also provided an opportunity to congratulate Makinde on his emergence as the presidential candidate of the APM.
“He is my very good friend, a young man with energy, determination and drive, who can do a lot to change the trajectory of leadership and governance in Nigeria,” he said.
Addressing the broader issue of insecurity, the Bauchi governor stressed the need for greater synergy among security agencies and stronger collaboration between security operatives and citizens.
According to him, insecurity is partly a consequence of poor governance, poverty and socio-economic challenges, adding that citizens must also play an active role in combating criminality.
“The security situation is a manifestation of lack of good governance, poverty and the challenges of life. Beyond that, citizens must sit up and take their destinies into their own hands.
“People should not allow themselves to become informants or accomplices to criminal elements. They must also ensure that they elect capable leaders who can address their challenges.
“We must all take responsibility at every level of leadership—national, sub-national and local government. As we approach another election cycle, citizens should make informed choices and demand better governance,” he said.
Among those who received Governor Mohammed and his delegation alongside Governor Makinde were the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola; and the Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal.
