Fayose Alleges Makinde Has A Hand In Oyo School Kidnapping

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of being complicit in the recent kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. Fayose alleged that the incident was orchestrated by the Oyo State government to blackmail President Bola Tinubu. He made the statement on Monday during an interview on Channels Television.

The attack occurred on May 15 when gunmen invaded three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso. The assailants kidnapped 18 children and seven teachers from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School, as well as seven students from Community Grammar School. A teacher was killed during the raid, and another educator was beheaded in captivity.

Governor Makinde has consistently denied any wrongdoing and is focused on rescue efforts. He confirmed the establishment of an operational centre at the Oyo State Police Headquarters to coordinate the response. “We will not give in to terror. We will do everything to ensure that our children and their teachers are returned safely,” Makinde stated during a briefing in Ibadan.

The governor has also urged families of the victims to refrain from public protests. He warned that demonstrations could “fuel their ego” and complicate ongoing security operations. “The bandits and terrorists are not normal people. If they had a reasonable head, they won’t be in the bush doing what they are doing,” Makinde explained.

Security sources confirm that the victims remain in captivity as of June 1. The Special Adviser on Security to Governor Makinde, Abayomi Fagbenro, dismissed viral reports claiming the victims had been released, stating flatly, “As of 10:35 am, it’s not true”. The police and military have deployed additional personnel and have reportedly made contact with the abductors, though efforts to secure a breakthrough continue.