Governor Seyi Makinde on Wednesday assured residents of Oyo State that his administration is working closely with security agencies to secure the release of students and staff abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area and reunite them safely with their families.
The governor gave the assurance while speaking with journalists shortly after receiving a Sallah homage from a delegation of the Muslim community led by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan.
The delegation, which comprised government officials, Islamic clerics and prominent Muslim leaders from different parts of the state, paid the visit after observing the Eid al-Adha prayers held earlier at the Eid prayer ground in Agodi, Ibadan. The gathering reflected the spirit of unity and goodwill associated with the Muslim festival as religious leaders offered prayers for peace, progress and stability in the state.
Addressing journalists during the visit, Governor Makinde expressed concern over the abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the situation as painful and unacceptable. He assured affected families that the government had not relented in its efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
According to him, security agencies have intensified operations and investigations aimed at tracking down the abductors and safely recovering the students and school staff. He stressed that protecting lives and ensuring the safety of residents remain top priorities for his administration.
Makinde urged residents to remain calm and continue cooperating with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid ongoing rescue efforts. He also assured citizens that the government would continue strengthening security architecture across the state to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The governor’s remarks come amid growing public anxiety following the abduction of students and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that sparked outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity affecting educational institutions in parts of the country.
Beyond security matters, Makinde also used the occasion to emphasize the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence among residents of Oyo State, especially as political activities ahead of future elections begin to gather momentum.
Speaking passionately about the state’s history of tolerance and harmony, the governor noted that Oyo State has continued to remain peaceful despite differences in political affiliation, ethnicity and religion. He urged citizens not to allow politicians or external forces to create divisions among them.
“We have remained united as a state despite our differences, and we must continue in that spirit as another political season approaches,” the governor said.
He stressed that the people of Oyo State cannot and should not be divided along ethnic or religious lines, adding that the state’s strength lies in its diversity and shared commitment to peaceful coexistence.
According to Makinde, political competition should never be allowed to destroy the bond among residents or threaten the peace the state has enjoyed over the years. He urged political actors and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid inflammatory statements capable of causing tension.
The governor also commended religious leaders in the state for continuously promoting peace and tolerance among their followers. He noted that faith-based organisations have played a crucial role in maintaining social harmony and supporting government efforts toward community development.
Members of the Muslim delegation who visited the governor thanked him for his administration’s support for religious harmony and infrastructural development across the state. They also offered prayers for wisdom, peace and successful governance.
Some Islamic leaders at the gathering called on residents to use the lessons of Eid al-Adha sacrifice, obedience and compassion — to strengthen unity and support one another during challenging times. They urged citizens to reject divisive politics and continue preserving the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
Residents and political observers described Makinde’s message as timely, especially given the rising political conversations and alignments ahead of future elections. Many noted that his appeal for unity and tolerance reflects growing concerns about the potential for political tension in different parts of the country.
Meanwhile, families of the abducted students and staff continue to hope for positive news regarding the rescue operations. Community members in Oriire Local Government Area have reportedly intensified prayers and appeals for the victims’ safe return.
As the Eid celebrations continued across Oyo State, the governor’s dual message of security assurance and political unity resonated strongly among citizens seeking both safety and stability. For many residents, the occasion served not only as a festive celebration but also as a reminder of the importance of collective responsibility, peace and solidarity in difficult times.
