Makinde Reassures Oyo Residents of Safe Return of Abducted Pupils, Teachers as VDM Leads Protest

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured residents that his administration is doing everything possible to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The governor gave the assurance while addressing protesters at the Government House in Ibadan amid growing concerns over the continued captivity of the victims. The demonstration was led by activist Martins Vincent Otse and drew participation from students, civil society groups, and concerned citizens demanding urgent action from the government. 

Makinde appealed for calm and unity, stressing that security agencies at both the state and federal levels were working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the abductees. According to him, the rescue operation requires cooperation rather than blame, noting that the government remains fully committed to bringing the victims home. 

“We’re doing our best,” the governor said, adding that he has been holding frequent meetings with security operatives coordinating the rescue mission. He disclosed that federal security personnel have remained actively engaged in Oyo State for weeks as efforts to track down the kidnappers intensify. 

Makinde also warned against actions capable of undermining the rescue efforts, urging residents and stakeholders to support security agencies rather than create divisions that could aid the criminals. He expressed confidence that the abducted pupils and their teachers would eventually regain their freedom. 

The protest follows weeks of nationwide outrage over the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area. The incident has sparked demonstrations across several cities, with protesters demanding immediate intervention from both the federal and state governments. 

The kidnapping crisis has also attracted national attention, prompting visits by senior federal officials and renewed calls for stronger security measures to tackle rising incidents of abduction across the country.