…says lives of abducted pupils must not be put at risk

By Adeola Badru

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has appealed for restraint and unity as efforts intensified to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from primary schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state, warning that authorities must avoid actions that could endanger the victims.

Speaking during a sympathy visit to the families of the abducted pupils and teachers on Saturday at Ahoro Esinele L.A. Basic School in Oriire Local Government,

The governor said the state government remained fully committed to ensuring their safe return and was working closely with security agencies on the rescue operation.

Makinde stressed that while many Nigerians had expressed opinions and offered suggestions on how the crisis should be handled, authorities must proceed with caution given the sensitive nature of the ongoing operation.

“I understand that many people have different opinions about what should be done. Many have offered advice and suggestions, and we appreciate the concern.“

“However, we must act responsibly and carefully to avoid putting innocent lives at greater risk,” the governor said.

He said the safety of the abducted children and their teachers remained the government’s overriding concern, adding that every available resource was being deployed to secure their freedom.

“The people we are dealing with are dangerous and unpredictable. Because this is an ongoing security operation, there are certain details I cannot disclose.“

“However, I want to assure you that every available resource is being deployed to secure the release of the victims,” he stated.

The governor acknowledged the anguish being experienced by affected families and said the state government shared their pain and anxiety.

“I understand the pain and anxiety that many of you are experiencing at this moment. As your government, we share your concerns, and we are fully committed to securing the safe return of our children and their teachers,” Makinde said.

Describing the abduction as particularly disturbing, he noted that cases involving primary school pupils were rare in Nigeria and assured residents that he had been personally involved in coordinating response efforts with security commanders.

“My plea to you today is that, by God’s grace, we will bring back our children and the teachers. There is nowhere in Nigeria where we have seen this sort of situation where primary school students are kidnapped.“

“If it were secondary school students, we have heard that before, but primary school students are strange,” he said.

Makinde disclosed that he had been holding regular meetings with security chiefs as part of efforts to secure the victims’ release.

“Please believe in me. I have not been sleeping well myself. Together with the service commanders, we meet twice every day, one in the morning and one at night, sometimes until 10 or 11 p.m.,” he added.

The governor also urged Nigerians to refrain from politicising the incident, insisting that the focus should remain on rescuing the victims safely.

“This is not the time to trade blame between the state government, the federal government, local governments or any other institution.“

“This is a time for unity. Let us come together with one purpose: to rescue our children and their teachers safely,” he said.

Makinde reassured the families that the government would continue to pursue every available option to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, while calling on residents to remain calm and support ongoing efforts by security agencies.

“By the grace of God, we will bring our children and their teachers home safely. Please remain calm, continue to support the efforts of the authorities, and keep the victims and their families in your prayers,” he said.

During an interview with Seriki Fulani in the local government, Musa Adamu, he noted that “we have never experienced such since we have been living here for years, and it is so sad; even my children are part of those kidnapped, and we hope that the government helps us bring them back and save them from harm.“