Oyo Kidnap: This Is a Time of National Distress, Not Politics — Makinde
Governor assures families of abducted pupils and teachers of ongoing rescue efforts, calls for unity as labour unions and students demand swift action.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has appealed for national unity following the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that the crisis should not be politicised. The governor assured Nigerians that security agencies are working tirelessly to secure the safe return of all victims.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for unity and collective action in response to the abduction of scores of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the incident as a national tragedy that transcends politics.
The governor made the appeal on Tuesday while addressing a peaceful protest organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.
Makinde emphasized that the focus should remain on rescuing the victims rather than assigning blame.
“This is a time of national distress. It is not the time to trade blame. It is not the time to play politics,” the governor declared.
‘I Am Personally Distressed’
In an emotional moment, Makinde spoke about his personal connection to the teaching profession, revealing that his late father was a primary school teacher who taught in a community located less than 15 kilometres from where the attack occurred.
“My own father was a primary school teacher. He actually taught at Awole Dada, less than 15 kilometres away from where this incident happened. If something like this had happened to him, maybe I wouldn’t even have been born,” he said.
The governor stressed that insecurity remains a challenge requiring cooperation among all levels of government and society.
He urged Nigerians to avoid political divisions and instead support ongoing efforts to rescue those in captivity.
Makinde disclosed that security operatives deployed by both the Federal Government and state authorities have been actively pursuing leads since the incident occurred.
According to him, intensive operations have been ongoing for weeks, with regular briefings and strategic meetings aimed at securing the victims’ release.
“I’ve heard from the Federal Government. Security operatives have been here for the past two weeks. They spent their salaries here. I have been meeting with them morning and night, sometimes three or four times in a day,” he revealed.
The governor described the kidnappers as individuals lacking basic humanity and warned against actions capable of emboldening criminal elements.
“We shouldn’t provide oxygen to the people that want to see us divided. The response at this time should be to pull together and allow the government to see this through,” he said.
Offering reassurance to families, Makinde gave his strongest assurance since the incident occurred.
“I can give you the assurance that our children and their teachers, by the grace of God, will return safely.”
Teachers Living in Fear
Earlier, Oyo State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Fatai Hassan, said educators across the state were traumatized by the attack and fearful for their safety.
According to him, four schools—including public and private institutions—were attacked by armed men on May 15.
Hassan disclosed that 39 students and seven teachers were abducted, while one teacher, identified as Comrade Joel Adesanya, was reportedly killed during the attack.
“Teachers are now living in palpable fears. We cannot attend classes with our open minds anymore,” he lamented.
The union called on the government to intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims and strengthen security around schools to prevent future attacks.
Hassan further announced that teachers would remain out of classrooms pending the release of their abducted colleagues and students.
Labour, Students Demand Urgent Action
Speaking on behalf of organised labour, Oyo State NLC Chairman, Kayode Martins, warned that insecurity has become a threat to every Nigerian, regardless of profession or social status.
“Every Nigerian today is a target,” Martins said.
He stressed that the primary responsibility of government remains the protection of lives and property, urging authorities to act swiftly and decisively.
Meanwhile, NANS President Babatunde Akinteye said students across Nigeria had mobilized in solidarity with the victims and their families.
Describing the kidnappers as “monsters” and “enemies of the nation,” he called for coordinated efforts to end terrorism and criminality.
Akinteye noted that while students had the capacity to organize widespread demonstrations, NANS chose dialogue and advocacy to avoid disrupting rescue operations.
“At a time like this, our priority and interest should be the release of our students,” he said.
Call for Long-Term Security Reforms
Makinde acknowledged concerns over school safety and pledged to consider fresh ideas for strengthening the state’s security architecture once the victims are safely rescued.
He encouraged stakeholders to contribute practical recommendations that could help improve security in both the short and long term.
“Please, and please, and please, it is time to unite to confront the challenges that we have and to bring back those children and our teachers. That is my plea,” the governor said.
The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over insecurity in Nigeria and its impact on education, prompting renewed calls for stronger protection of schools, teachers, and students across the country.
