Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has said that his administration would continue to put in all efforts to ensure the safe return of the Oriire school kidnapping victims – the teachers and children.
Governor Makinde stated this on Saturday at L.A Basic School, Ahoro Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of the state, when he paid a visit to the area to commiserate with the families and relatives of the victims.
Makinde Appeals for Unity Over Oriire School Kidnap Victims
​During his emotional visit to the affected area, the governor appealed for the understanding and cooperation of the local population. He explicitly charged the community not to put blames on the federal or state government, urging everyone to join hands together to ensure the successful rescue of the abductees.
​”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 government. This is just the time to come together to rescue our children and their teachers,” Governor Makinde said. “I feel your pain but have trust in us.”
​The governor noted that since the Oyo school kidnapping occurred, he has been holding security meetings twice daily and is working closely with security agencies to facilitate the victims’ safe return.
​Security Forces Suffer Casualties Tracking Abductors
​The ongoing rescue efforts come amidst severe operational dangers for local forces. Governor Makinde 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. Despite these risks, the governor commended the service commanders for their support, dedication and commitment to securing the lives and properties of the people, while calling for more prayers from the community.
​He further noted that while the families and communities are deeply hurt by the incident, he shares in their grief and concern. He emphasised that regardless of the grievances the abductors may have, their actions remain cruel, unacceptable, and inhumane.
Oriire School Kidnapping Victims: ​Families Make Direct Appeals
​The gravity of the situation was highlighted by the governor’s observation that the incident would be the first time Nigeria would experience an abduction involving underage children on this scale. During the gathering, prominent community members and relatives made direct, heartbroken appeals to the state leadership regarding the Oyo school kidnapping victims.
​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; as well as Mr. Aliu Saidi, a relative of one of the victims, pleaded with the Governor to do everything within his power to secure the safe return of their loved ones.
​Following these public statements, the governor held a brief private meeting with the families of the abducted pupils and teachers to further discuss ongoing rescue efforts and provide reassurance of the government’s commitment to ensuring their release.
​”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,” the Governor told the families
