Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed deep solidarity with the families of the school children and teachers currently held captive by bandits.
Makinde, in a message marking this year’s Eid-al-Adha and National Children’s Day, said his thoughts were with the affected families who are currently awaiting the return of their loved ones.
He offered condolences regarding the May 15, 2026, kidnapping of 39 students and 7 teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, which also caused two fatalities.
A teacher, Adesiyan Adegboye, was killed during the raid, and a Mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was also beheaded in captivity, igniting outrage and calls for the speedy rescue of those in the abductors’ den.
While acknowledging the somber atmosphere, the governor emphasized that rescue operations are active and that the state is engaging in both security measures and negotiations to secure the victims’ release.
Furthermore, to prevent future occurrences, the administration is implementing new security protocols, including stricter registration of local security groups and increased surveillance along borders.
Taking to his official X handle on Wednesday morning, Makinde acknowledged the painful vacuum felt by the families during what should have been a day of family gatherings and childhood celebrations.
“As we mark this year’s Eid and Children’s Day, our thoughts are with every family awaiting the return of their loved ones, and with security agencies working to keep our communities safe,” he wrote.
Reassuring the state of his administration’s efforts to resolve the crisis, the governor added, “We are working to ensure the safe return of those who were kidnapped in Oriire LGA. May this holy season fill our State with peace.”
