A fresh political war of words has erupted between Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose over the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
Governor Makinde on Tuesday dismissed comments made by Fayose regarding the kidnapping incident, describing them as reckless, false and capable of distracting security agencies from efforts to secure the release of the victims.
The governor also urged Nigerians to pray for the former Ekiti governor, saying his recent statements suggested that he was no longer acting rationally.
Makinde’s position was conveyed in a statement issued by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
The statement came a day after Fayose, speaking during an interview on Channels Television, accused the Oyo State governor of failing to respond promptly to the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
Fayose further alleged, without presenting evidence, that the abduction could have been politically motivated and intended to embarrass President Bola Tinubu.
His remarks immediately generated reactions across political circles, with many observers expressing concern over the sensitive nature of the comments, especially while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity.
Responding to the allegations, Oyelade said Governor Makinde was focused on tackling the security challenge facing the state and had no interest in engaging in political exchanges.
According to him, the governor’s attention is currently directed at finding lasting solutions to the kidnapping crisis and ensuring the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
“Governor Makinde is too preoccupied with finding a solution to the challenges posed by the kidnappers of children and teachers in the state to engage someone whose lifestyle and comportment have been suspect over a long time,” the commissioner said.
He added that Fayose’s comments were not only false but also dangerous because they could complicate rescue efforts and create unnecessary distractions for security agencies working on the case.
The commissioner said it was disturbing that a former governor would make statements capable of inflaming tensions at a time when families of the victims were anxiously awaiting positive news.
Oyelade stated that the state government considered the allegations unfortunate and irresponsible.
He further described Fayose as a politician consumed by bitterness and political hostility.
“For a former governor to be so consumed by the politics of vindictiveness, vileness, deceit and hate, that he would further endanger the lives of those in captivity and distract security agents from handling this delicate job, smacks of one who has lost his mind,” he said.
The commissioner also referred to previous remarks allegedly made by Fayose linking Governor Makinde to political disagreements and tensions within the state.
According to him, the latest accusations followed a pattern of attacks that lacked evidence and served no useful purpose.
He therefore called on residents of Oyo State and Nigerians generally to ignore what he described as baseless allegations and remain hopeful that the abducted victims would soon regain their freedom.
The state government, he said, is working closely with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a successful rescue operation.
The latest exchange comes against the backdrop of growing concern over insecurity in parts of Oyo State following the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The incident sparked outrage among residents and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and vulnerable communities.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a major security challenge in several parts of Nigeria in recent years. Criminal groups have increasingly targeted schools, highways, farms and rural communities, leading to widespread fear among citizens.
Although security agencies have recorded successes in rescuing victims and arresting suspects, attacks continue to occur in different parts of the country.
The Oyo school abduction has attracted national attention because of the involvement of children and teachers.
Families of the victims have continued to appeal to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts aimed at securing their release.
Since the incident occurred, Governor Makinde has repeatedly assured residents that his administration is committed to bringing the victims home safely.
The governor has also pledged to strengthen security arrangements across the state to prevent future attacks.
However, Fayose questioned the governor’s handling of the situation during his television appearance.
According to the former governor, Makinde did not act quickly enough after the abduction occurred.
“He did not take any action; no steps were taken. It was after those nominations that he went to the families to visit them,” Fayose said.
The former governor went further by suggesting that the kidnapping may have been used to undermine President Tinubu politically.
“I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way, I am not saying totally, by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” he alleged.
The comments immediately generated criticism from supporters of the Oyo State government and some political observers who argued that such allegations should not be made without evidence.
While the controversy continues to generate debate, many residents and community leaders have urged political actors to focus less on blame and more on supporting efforts to rescue the kidnapped children and teachers.
For families affected by the incident, the immediate concern remains the safe return of their loved ones rather than political arguments.
As security agencies continue their operations, the Oyo State Government has appealed for patience, cooperation and prayers from citizens, assuring them that every available resource is being deployed to secure the freedom of the victims.