Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has appealed to residents and relatives of the teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area to remain calm and continue praying for their safe return, assuring them that security agencies are working tirelessly to secure their release.
The governor made the appeal on Sunday during a thanksgiving service held to celebrate the 60th birthday and retirement of the outgoing Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, at Christ Apostolic Church in Ibadan.
Makinde said security operatives had intensified efforts to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victims unharmed. He urged the public to avoid actions that could complicate ongoing operations.
According to the governor, protests at this stage may be counterproductive, as they could provide the abductors with the attention they seek.
“Our reality is that bandits and terrorists are at our doorstep. I want to encourage the family members of the children and teachers who were kidnapped,” he said.
“This is not the time for protests. Terrorists and bandits do not think like normal people. If they did, they would not be carrying out such acts. Demonstrations at this moment may only fuel their ego. We are doing everything possible, and this is the time for all of us to work together rather than apportion blame.”
Makinde further stressed the importance of collective support and prayers, noting that spiritual intervention, alongside security efforts, remains vital in addressing the situation.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils while maintaining peace and security across the stat
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