An emotional Governor Seyi Makinde has visited families of pupils and teachers abducted during a deadly attack in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, assuring them that efforts to secure the victims’ freedom remain ongoing.
The Governor’s visit came two weeks after armed assailants stormed communities in the area, killing residents and whisking away several schoolchildren and teachers.
Makinde arrived at L.A. Basic School on Saturday, May 30, where he met with grieving families, community leaders and residents affected by the tragic incident.
Speaking during the meeting, the Governor acknowledged the pain, fear and uncertainty confronting the families and pledged that his administration would not relent until all those held captive were safely reunited with their loved ones.
“I understand the pain and anxiety that many of you are experiencing at this moment. As your government, we share your concerns, and we are fully committed to securing the safe return of our children and their teachers.
“By the grace of God, we will bring our children and their teachers home safely. Please remain calm, continue to support the efforts of the authorities, and keep the victims and their families in your prayers,” he said.
Makinde revealed that the state government has remained in constant contact with security agencies, with rescue strategies being reviewed daily to improve the chances of bringing the victims home unharmed.
According to him, the abduction case has become a top priority for his administration, prompting regular meetings with security commanders twice every day.
“Please believe in me. I have not been sleeping well myself. Together with the service commanders, we meet twice every day, one in the morning and one at night, sometimes until 10:00 or 11:00 p.m.,” the Governor stated.
He explained that the operation must be handled carefully because of the dangerous nature of those behind the abductions, stressing that certain details could not be disclosed for security reasons.
“The people we are dealing with are dangerous and unpredictable. Because this is an ongoing security operation, there are certain details I cannot disclose. However, I want to assure you that every available resource is being deployed to secure the release of the victims,” he added.
Makinde described the kidnapping of nursery and primary school pupils as disturbing and unprecedented.
“There is nowhere in Nigeria where we have seen this sort of situation where nursery and primary school students are kidnapped. If it were secondary school students, we have heard that before, but to abduct nursery and primary school pupils is strange,” he said.
The Governor also appealed to residents and the wider public to avoid politicising the tragedy, insisting that attention should remain focused on rescuing the victims rather than assigning blame.
“This is not the time to trade blame between the state government, the federal government, local governments, or any other institution. This is a time for unity. Let us come together with one purpose — to rescue our children and their teachers safely,” Makinde said.
“I understand that many people have different opinions about what should be done. Many have offered advice and suggestions, and we appreciate the concern. However, we must act responsibly and carefully to avoid putting innocent lives at greater risk,” he added.
The attack occurred on Friday, May 15, 2026, when suspected gunmen invaded two communities in Oriire Local Government Area, killing two people and abducting several pupils and teachers.
Two days after the incident, one of the abducted teachers at Community High School, Ahoro Esinele, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers in a video that later surfaced online.
Last Friday, two abducted staff members, including a teacher and the Principal of Community High School, Esinele, Folawe Alamu, released an emotional appeal to Governor Makinde, urging him to intensify efforts to rescue the remaining pupils and teachers still in captivity.
