Oyo school attack: Abducted teachers, students will be back home soon

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, allayed the fears of abducted teachers’ and students’ family members, assuring that his administration was making serious efforts to secure their release.

Makinde gave this assurance while receiving the state Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, alongside other Muslim faithful at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan, the state capital, during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Makinde said, “The challenges that we have, especially in Oyo with our school children being kidnapped, we are working round the clock to ensure that the children are reunited with their families.

“So, I also use this opportunity to say to those that are in despair right now, that God Almighty will meet them at their point of need.”

He expressed sympathy with families affected by the incident and prayed for divine intervention for those going through difficult moments.

It was reported that scores of teachers and students were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, penultimate Friday around 9:30 a.m.

The governor called for unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians as the country gradually moves towards another political season, saying that political differences should not divide the people.

He said Oyo remained a liberal and tolerant state where religion and ethnicity could not easily be used as tools of division, urging residents to place the interest of the state and the country above political sentiments.

He stated, “Well, let me use this opportunity to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters, and indeed everyone in Oyo and Nigeria, happy Eid celebration and I wish all of us many, many more of it in the land of the living.

“This is because we are moving towards a political season and for us in Oyo we are very liberal and tolerant people. So, it’s difficult to use ethnicity or religion to divide us.”

The governor stressed that political offices were temporary, while the collective interest of the state and the nation must remain paramount.

He said, “Even as we move towards this political season, government will come and go but our state and our country remain. Even when we disagree with ourselves, it’s a temporary thing.

“In another seven or eight months, president-elect would have emerged, governors-elect would have emerged. And whoever emerges, we will have to work together in the interest of our state and our country with such individuals and set of people.”

Earlier, the state Deputy Governor, Lawal, who led a delegation of Muslim faithfuls to the governor’s private residence to pay the traditional Eid-el-Kabir homage and celebrate with him, added that the visit was in keeping with the spirit of the Eid celebration, which promotes peace, unity, sacrifice and togetherness among the people.

He also commended the governor for sustaining religious harmony and inclusive governance in Oyo State, noting that the administration had continued to treat all residents fairly irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.

Meanwhile, Muslim faithful gathered in large numbers at the Agodi Eid praying ground to observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers, joining in supplications for peace, unity, and improved security across Oyo State and Nigeria.

The special prayer session, which commenced at about 9 a.m., was led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, AbdulGaniyy Agbotomokekere, who offered prayers seeking Allah’s mercy for the nation, stability in governance, and protection for citizens amid ongoing security concerns.

The congregation also prayed fervently for the safe return of victims abducted in Ahoro Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, urging security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify rescue efforts and restore calm to affected communities.