Oyo School Attack: Abducted Teachers, Students Will Be Back Home Soon — Makinde

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has assured families of abducted teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area that efforts are ongoing to secure their release.

Makinde gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving the state Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, alongside Muslim faithful at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan, during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The governor said his administration was working tirelessly to reunite the victims with their families following the recent school attacks in the state.

“The challenges that we have, especially in Oyo with our school children being kidnapped, we are working round the clock to ensure that the children are reunited with their families,” Makinde said.

“So, I also use this opportunity to say to those that are in despair right now, that God Almighty will meet them at their point of need.”

The abduction occurred during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area.

Makinde also used the occasion to call for unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections intensify.

According to him, Oyo State remains a tolerant society where religion and ethnicity should not be used to divide the people.

“We are moving towards a political season and for us in Oyo we are very liberal and tolerant people. So, it’s difficult to use ethnicity or religion to divide us,” he stated.

The governor stressed that political offices are temporary, while the collective interest of the state and the country must remain paramount.

“Government will come and go but our state and our country remain. Even when we disagree with ourselves, it’s a temporary thing,” he added.

Earlier, Deputy Governor Lawal said the Eid visit reflected the values of peace, sacrifice, unity and togetherness associated with the celebration.

He also praised the Makinde administration for sustaining religious harmony and inclusive governance in Oyo State.

Meanwhile, Muslim faithful gathered at the Agodi Eid praying ground in Ibadan for Eid-el-Kabir prayers led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, AbdulGaniyy Agbotomokekere.

Special prayers were offered for peace, national unity, improved security and the safe return of the abducted teachers and students.

The congregation also urged security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and restore calm to affected communities.