Makinde Visits Families of Abducted Pupils, Teachers, Pledges Swift Rescue Amid Rising Tension

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has visited families of pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area, assuring them that efforts are being intensified to secure the victims’ safe return.

The governor gave the assurance during a visit to Ahoro-Esiele community on Saturday, where he met with relatives of the abductees, community leaders and residents at L.A. Basic School.

The visit comes more than two weeks after suspected gunmen invaded three schools in the area and abducted 45 pupils and teachers, triggering widespread concern over the safety of schools and renewed fears about insecurity in the state.

Speaking during the visit, Makinde said his administration remained committed to ensuring the victims regain their freedom and are reunited with their families.

In a message posted on his social media platform after the visit, the governor said he had listened to the concerns of affected families and reassured them that government and security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the release of those still in captivity.

“Today we visited Oriire LGA to meet with the family members of children and teachers that were abducted about two weeks ago. After listening to them, I gave them the assurance that we are doing everything humanly possible to ensure the safe return of those who were kidnapped, and that by the grace of God, they will be reunited with their loved ones very soon,” he stated.

The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed attackers stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, kidnapping dozens of pupils and teachers.

The crisis deepened days later following reports that one of the abducted teachers, a Mathematics teacher, was killed by the kidnappers.

The incident sparked outrage across Oyo State and drew reactions from both Governor Makinde and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who vowed that the victims would be rescued and those responsible brought to justice.

However, with many of the abductees still being held more than two weeks after the attack, anxiety has continued to mount among residents and families.

Last Monday, the frustration spilled into the streets of Ogbomoso as teachers staged a peaceful protest, suspending academic activities and marching to the office of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) to demand urgent action from authorities.

The protesters called for intensified rescue efforts and stronger security measures to protect schools, students and education workers from future attacks.

Makinde’s visit is seen as part of ongoing efforts by the state government to reassure affected communities and demonstrate its commitment to ending the ordeal of the abducted pupils and teachers.