Peter Obi Claims Tinubu Hasn’t Called Gov Makinde 50 Days After Oyo Abduction

In a blistering critique of the presidency’s response to the security emergency in the South-West, Peter Obi raised the alarm over the perceived disconnect between the federal government and the leadership of Oyo State.

The controversy surrounds the May 15, 2026, kidnapping of dozens of pupils and teachers from schools in the Oriire Local Government Area. While the state has faced educational paralysis and public protests over the incident, Obi claims that the Commander-in-Chief has remained "officially silent" and "personally indifferent."

In a statement issued on Monday, July 6, 2026, the former Anambra State Governor argued that in any civilized democracy, a mass abduction of citizens should trigger immediate and sustained coordination between the national and sub-national governments.

“It is deeply troubling that 50 days after innocent schoolchildren and their teachers were dragged into the forest in Oyo State, there has reportedly been no direct communication from President Tinubu to Governor Seyi Makinde,” Obi stated. “Leadership is about empathy and presence. When the people are in pain, the leader must be seen to lead, not just from the comfort of an office, but by showing genuine concern for the victims and the authorities on the ground.”

Obi maintained that the "silence" from the Presidency sends a dangerous message of abandonment to the people of Oyo State and the families of the captives. He contrasted the current situation with global best practices, where heads of state typically take charge of the national narrative during such crises.

“The primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property. If the President cannot pick up the phone to coordinate with a sitting governor over the abduction of toddlers and students, what then is the essence of our security architecture?” he queried.

The Oyo school abduction has remained a bleeding wound for the state. Although public schools just reopened on Thursday following the suspension of a six-week strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), many victims are reportedly still in the hands of their captors.

Obi’s comments follow his recent symbolic advocacy at a World Cup event in Miami, where he wore pins to raise awareness for the Oyo pupils—a move that was later emulated by music star Davido.

The NDC standard-bearer urged the President to break his silence and deploy the full weight of the nation’s security and intelligence resources to ensure the safe return of the remaining captives. He also called for a transparent briefing on the status of the rescue operations to reassure the grieving parents.

“Nigerians are tired of excuses and off-budget expenditures. They want their children back. They want a President who shares their pain and acts decisively to end this nightmare,” Obi added.

As of the time of this report, the Presidency has not issued a formal rebuttal to Obi’s specific allegation regarding the lack of communication with Governor Makinde.

Similarly, the Oyo State Government has remained focused on the tactical rescue operations, with Commissioner for Information **Prince Dotun Oyelade** recently reiterating that the state is working "round the clock" with security agencies to secure the victims' release without paying ransom.