Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has assured families of teachers and students abducted during recent attacks on schools in the state that his administration is making serious efforts to secure their safe release.
Makinde gave the assurance on Wednesday during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan, where he received the Deputy Governor of the state, Bayo Lawal, alongside Muslim faithful and political associates.
The governor said the government was working tirelessly with security agencies to ensure that the kidnapped victims were reunited with their families as quickly as possible.
“The challenges that we have, especially in Oyo with our school children being kidnapped, we are working round the clock to ensure that the children are reunited with their families,” Makinde said.
“So, I also use this opportunity to say to those that are in despair right now, that God Almighty will meet them at their point of need.”
The governor expressed sympathy for the affected families and prayed for divine intervention and strength for those going through difficult moments because of the incident.
The abduction occurred penultimate Friday during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The affected schools were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele.
Reports indicated that heavily armed attackers invaded the schools around 9:30 a.m., causing panic among pupils, teachers and residents before abducting several people.
The incident shocked many residents of the state and raised fresh concerns over insecurity and attacks on schools in parts of the country.
Although authorities have not publicly confirmed the exact number of those abducted, local sources said several teachers and pupils were taken away during the attacks.
The incident also triggered fear among parents and guardians, with many calling on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims safely.
School attacks and kidnappings have become major security concerns in Nigeria in recent years, particularly in some northern states where armed groups have targeted schools for ransom.
While Oyo State has not frequently witnessed large-scale school abductions compared to some northern states, the latest incident has increased worries about the spread of insecurity into other parts of the country.
Makinde’s assurance came as Muslims across Oyo State joined millions of faithful around the world to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, one of Islam’s most important religious festivals.
The governor used the occasion to call for unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, especially as political activities gradually intensify ahead of another election season.
According to him, Nigerians must not allow politics, ethnicity or religion to divide them.
“Well, let me use this opportunity to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters, and indeed everyone in Oyo and Nigeria, happy Eid celebration and I wish all of us many, many more of it in the land of the living,” he said.
“This is because we are moving towards a political season and for us in Oyo we are very liberal and tolerant people. So, it’s difficult to use ethnicity or religion to divide us.”
Makinde stressed that political offices are temporary, but the unity and stability of the state and the country must remain more important than political differences.
“Even as we move towards this political season, government will come and go but our state and our country remain,” the governor stated.
“Even when we disagree with ourselves, it’s a temporary thing.”
He further noted that after elections, political leaders and citizens would still need to work together for the progress and development of the state and the nation.
“In another seven or eight months, president-elect would have emerged, governors-elect would have emerged. And whoever emerges, we will have to work together in the interest of our state and our country with such individuals and set of people,” he added.
In recent months, politicians across party lines have intensified consultations and public engagements as preparations for the next election cycle slowly gather momentum.
The governor’s appeal for tolerance and peaceful coexistence also comes amid increasing political tension and public debate in different parts of the country.
Meanwhile, Muslim faithful gathered in large numbers at the Agodi Eid praying ground in Ibadan to observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers and offer prayers for peace, unity and improved security in Nigeria.
The special prayer session, which began around 9 a.m., was led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, AbdulGaniyy Agbotomokekere.
During his sermon, the cleric urged Nigerians to remain prayerful and peaceful despite the country’s economic and security challenges.
He prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the nation and asked God to grant leaders wisdom in handling the country’s affairs.
Special prayers were also offered for improved security, stability in governance and the safe return of the abducted teachers and students.
Residents who attended the prayers expressed hope that the victims would soon regain freedom and reunite with their families.
Many Nigerians have continued to call for stronger security measures to protect schools and communities from criminal attacks.
In recent years, both the Federal Government and state governments have introduced different measures aimed at improving school security, including the Safe School Initiative and increased collaboration with security agencies.
Despite these efforts, incidents of kidnapping and attacks on schools have continued to pose serious challenges in different parts of the country.
For families affected by the latest Oyo incident, the governor’s assurance has provided some hope that their loved ones may soon return home safely.