It Is Not Time to Play Politics With Insecurity — Makinde Warns

Governor Seyi Makinde has warned that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity should not be politicised, stressing the need for unity and collective action to confront the country’s security challenges.

Makinde made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing leaders and members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who staged a peaceful protest over recent abductions in Oyo State.

The protesters had gathered at the State Secretariat in Ibadan to demand urgent action following the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers from communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

The governor described the incident as a national tragedy and expressed deep concern over the rising wave of kidnappings and violent attacks affecting schools and communities.

He cautioned against attempts to trade blame or use the situation for political advantage, insisting that insecurity requires collaboration across all levels of government rather than division.

Makinde said, “This is a time of national distress. It is not the time to trade blame or play politics. I am personally distressed.”

He urged protesters and citizens to maintain confidence in government efforts while assuring them that authorities were working to address the situation.

According to him, the attackers behind such crimes show complete disregard for human life, describing their actions as inhuman and unacceptable.

The governor called on federal, state, and local authorities to strengthen cooperation in tackling insecurity, noting that no single tier of government can handle the crisis alone.

He further appealed for patience from students, teachers, and labour unions, reiterating that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of abducted victims and restore peace in affected communities.