Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday called for collective efforts by all levels of government and stakeholders to tackle the growing insecurity challenge and secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Yawota and Ahoro Esinle communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The governor made the call while receiving leaders and members 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 Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, to demand the safe return of the abductees.
Makinde described the incident as a national tragedy and cautioned against attempts to politicise the situation or engage in blame games.
According to him, the abduction transcends politics and requires a united response, stressing that the perpetrators have shown complete disregard for human life.
“This is a time of national distress. It is not the time to trade blames and play politics. I am personally distressed by this incident,” the governor said.
Recalling his personal connection to the affected area, Makinde noted that his late father, a primary school teacher, once taught at Ahoro Dada, a community located close to where the abduction occurred.
“My father taught at Ahoro Dada between 1959 and 1960. If something like this had happened to him, perhaps I would not have been born. So, this is not the time to say it is the responsibility of the President, the Governor or the Local Government. It is time for all of us to come together,” he said.
The governor described the kidnappers as abnormal elements who have no regard for humanity.
“We are not dealing with normal human beings. How can someone take another human being and slaughter him? These are not normal people. I appeal to students, workers and teachers across the state to continue to trust the government because we are doing everything possible,” he added.
Makinde assured the labour leaders, teachers and students that both the Federal and Oyo State governments are working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted victims.
He disclosed that he had been holding regular meetings with security operatives deployed by the Federal Government over the last two weeks and urged residents not to give room to divisive narratives.
“We shouldn’t provide oxygen to those who want to see us divided. The appropriate response now is to unite and allow government to see this through.
“I can assure you that our children and their teachers will, by the grace of God, return safely,” he stated.
The governor further pledged that his administration would consider recommendations aimed at strengthening the state’s security architecture after
