Governor Seyi Makinde has appealed to residents of Oyo State to remain united and support ongoing efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The governor made the appeal on Tuesday while addressing protesters who gathered at the Government House in Ibadan to demand swift action over the kidnapping of schoolchildren and their teachers in the Ahoro-Esiele community.
Makinde urged residents to avoid the blame game and instead rally behind security agencies working to bring the victims home safely. According to him, the current situation requires collective responsibility and cooperation from all stakeholders.
“This is not the time to point fingers at the President, the governor or the local government,” he said. “What we need now is unity and a common resolve to overcome this challenge.”
The governor described the abductors as individuals whose actions reflect extreme cruelty and disregard for human life, stressing that such acts cannot be associated with normal human behaviour.
“How can someone kidnap or even kill another human being without remorse? These are not normal people, and we must confront this challenge together,” he added.
Makinde also appealed to students, teachers, workers and concerned residents to remain calm and trust the government’s efforts, assuring them that authorities are doing everything possible to secure the release of the victims.
The governor revealed that federal security operatives had been deployed to the affected area for the past two weeks and had remained actively engaged in rescue operations, including throughout the Sallah celebrations.
According to him, he has maintained constant communication with the security teams, holding regular meetings several times a day to monitor progress and coordinate efforts.
Makinde further warned against actions or statements that could strengthen the resolve of the kidnappers or create divisions within the state.
“We must not give oxygen to those who want to destabilise our communities or divide us. At this critical moment, our response should be unity and support for the efforts being made to resolve the situation,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the outcome of the rescue mission, the governor assured the protesters that government agencies remained committed to bringing the abducted pupils and teachers back safely.
“I want to assure you that we are doing everything within our power, and we remain hopeful that our children and their teachers will return home safely,” he stated.
The protest comes amid growing public concern over the recent attacks on schools in the Ahoro-Esiele area of Oriire Local Government, which led to the abduction of several pupils and members of staff, prompting widespread calls for urgent government intervention.