Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured residents that his administration will continue to deploy every available effort to secure the safe return of the teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The governor gave the assurance during a visit to L.A. Basic School, Ahoro-Esiele, where he led a delegation of government officials and political associates to commiserate with the families and relatives of the victims.
Addressing members of the community, Makinde appealed for patience, understanding and cooperation, urging residents to avoid apportioning blame to either the federal or state government and instead unite behind efforts to rescue the abductees.
The governor sympathised with the affected families and the wider community, describing the incident as unprecedented, particularly because it involved the abduction of underage children.
He noted that while the victims’ families and the community were deeply traumatised by the incident, he shared in their pain and concern. According to him, regardless of any grievances the abductors may claim to have, their actions remain cruel, unacceptable and inhumane.
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Makinde also recalled the sacrifices made by operatives of the Western Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, some of whom have lost their lives while tackling security challenges across the state.
He disclosed that since the abduction occurred, he has been holding security meetings twice daily and working closely with relevant security agencies to facilitate the safe return of the victims.
The governor commended security commanders for their dedication and commitment to protecting lives and property in the state and called on residents to continue praying for the success of ongoing rescue efforts.
“Don’t cry. I have come here today because of you. You installed this government. I want to let you know that this government is responsible to you. By the grace of God and your cooperation, we will bring back our children and the teachers.
“Please, I want you to cooperate with us because we are doing everything humanly possible to get our children and teachers back,” Makinde said.
He added: “This is not the time to start trading blame on who should be responsible for the release of these children between the state and federal government. This is just the time to come together to rescue our children and their teachers.
“I feel your pain but have trust in us.”
