Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has assured families of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area that the state government is making every effort to secure their safe release.
The governor gave the assurance on Saturday during a visit to Ahoro-Esiele community, where he met with relatives of the victims, community leaders and residents at L.A. Basic School.
Makinde’s visit comes more than two weeks after suspected gunmen attacked schools in the area and abducted dozens of pupils and teachers, sparking widespread concern and calls for stronger security measures across the state.
Addressing family members during the visit, the governor said the government remained committed to ensuring the safe return of all those still being held captive.
In a statement shared on his official X account after the visit, Makinde said he took time to listen to the concerns of affected families and reassure them that rescue efforts were ongoing.
“Today we visited Oriire LGA to meet with the family members of children and teachers that were abducted about two weeks ago. After listening to them, I gave them the assurance that we are doing everything humanly possible to ensure the safe return of those who were kidnapped, and that by the grace of God, they will be reunited with their loved ones very soon,” he said.
The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, kidnapping 45 pupils and teachers.
The situation worsened days later following reports that one of the abducted teachers, said to be a Mathematics teacher, was killed by the kidnappers.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from government officials, civil society groups and education stakeholders, with both Governor Makinde and President Bola Tinubu pledging to secure the victims’ release and bring those responsible to justice.
Despite ongoing rescue efforts, many of the abductees remain in captivity, fueling anxiety among families and residents of the affected communities.
The growing concern led to a peaceful protest in Ogbomoso last week, where teachers suspended academic activities and marched to the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) office to demand urgent government intervention.
The protesters called on authorities to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and strengthen security around schools to prevent future attacks on students and education workers.
As efforts continue, residents and family members remain hopeful that the abducted pupils and teachers will soon be reunited with their loved ones.
