Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, met families of the school pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire, assuring them that his administration would continue to put in all efforts to ensure their safe return.
PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.
He gave the assurance when he paid a visit to L.A Basic School, Ahoro Esiele Oriire Local Government Area, to commiserate with the families and relatives of the abductees.
The school pupils, teachers and their road to captivity
Recall that 46 people, including 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted on Friday, 14 May, 2026, by yet-to-be identified kidnappers.
The unfortunate incident, said to be the first in the history of Oyo State, has been drawing reactions and condemnations from within the state and far and wide.
This was as the state government, Federal Government and security agencies have been putting in concerted efforts to ensure the release of the victims, unhurt.
Makinde appealed for the understanding and cooperation of the people, and charged them not to put blames on the federal or state government but to join hands together to ensure the successful rescue of the abductees.
The governor, who sympathised with the people of the community and the affected families, said the incident would be the first time Nigeria would experience abduction involving underage children.
He further noted that, while the families and communities were deeply hurt by the incident, he shared in their grief and concern, adding that regardless of the grievances the abductors may have, their actions remain cruel, unacceptable, and inhumane.
The governor recalled that some operatives of the Western Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, had lost their lives in the course of combating security challenges across the state.
He further disclosed that since the abduction occurred, he has been holding security meetings twice daily and working closely with security agencies to facilitate the victims’ safe return.
The governor commended the service commanders for their support, dedication and commitment to securing the lives and properties of the people and called for more prayers.
“Don’t cry. I have come here today because of you. You installed this government. I want to let you know that this government is responsible to you. By the grace of God and your cooperation, we will bring back our children and the teachers.
“Please, I want you to cooperate with us because we are doing everything humanly possible to get our children and teachers back,” Governor Makinde said.
He added: “This is not the time to start trading blame on who should be responsible for the release of these children between the state and federal governments.
“This is just the time to come together to rescue our children and their teachers. I feel your pain, but have trust in us.”
In an emotional-laddened appeal, Professor Wole Alamu, husband of the abducted school principal, Mrs. Funmilayo Ojo, whose daughter-in-law and four grandchildren are among those being held captive, pleased with his power to get the victims released unhurt.
Similarly, Mr. Aliu Saidi, a relative of one of the abducted school pupils and teachers, pleaded with the governor to do everything within his power to secure the safe return of their loved ones.
The governor later held a brief private meeting with the families of the victims to further discuss ongoing rescue efforts and provide reassurance of the government’s commitment to ensuring their release.
The governor had on his entourage the Oyo APM governorship candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi; member representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan Southwest Federal Constituency, Hon. Stanley Olajide; APM Oyo North Senatorial candidate, Hon. Shina Peller; and APM Oyo Central Senatorial candidate of APM, Hon Olufemi Ajadi.
Also on the governor’s entourage were top state government officials, as well as traditional rulers, Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran, religious leaders, community leaders, service commanders.
