Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday called for greater collaboration among all tiers of government to tackle the country's security challenges and secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The governor made the appeal while receiving leaders and members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the National Association of Nigerian Students, who staged a peaceful solidarity rally to demand the safe return of the victims.
The abductees were reportedly kidnapped in Yawota and Ahoro Esinele communities in Oriire LGA, sparking concerns among residents and stakeholders in the education sector.
Addressing the delegation, Makinde described the incident as a national tragedy and cautioned against efforts to politicise the situation or apportion blame.
He said the abduction underscored a broader security challenge confronting the country and called on Nigerians to unite in confronting the menace.
“This is a time of national distress. It is not the time to trade blames or play politics. We must come together and confront this challenge collectively,” the governor said.
Makinde, who said he was personally affected by the incident, recalled that his late father was a primary school teacher in a community close to where the abduction occurred.
According to him, the responsibility of addressing insecurity should not be reduced to political arguments over which level of government should act.
He appealed to workers, students and teachers across the state to remain calm and continue to trust the government, assuring them that every available resource was being deployed to rescue the victims.
The governor also disclosed that the state government was working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
He expressed optimism that the victims would return safely, while stressing that insecurity remained a major obstacle to development.
“In an atmosphere of insecurity, schools, hospitals and economic activities cannot function effectively. That is why we must continue to work together to overcome this challenge,” he added.
Makinde further assured the labour leaders and student representatives that his administration would consider recommendations aimed at strengthening the state's security architecture after the rescue operation.
Earlier, the National President of NANS, Akinteye Babatunde; Oyo State Chairman of the NLC, Kayode Martins; and Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Oyo State Wing, Hassan Fatai, commended the governor's efforts in addressing the situation.
They, however, urged the government to intensify efforts toward the swift rescue of the abductees and the prosecution of those responsible for the crime.
The trio condemned the kidnapping and killing of innocent citizens, describing the perpetrators as enemies of the nation.
They also called for improved security measures around schools and other public institutions to ensure the safety of students, teachers and residents.
Among those present at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Deputy Chief of Staff, Kazeem Adeniyi; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Mikhail Bayo Lawal; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Olayiwola; and Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade.
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