Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the state government would not surrender to terror, even as it remained willing to listen to the demands of the abductors responsible for the kidnapping of pupils, students, and teachers in Oriire Local government area of the state.
Speaking on the incident during a briefing with journalists at his Ikolaba, Ibadan residence, Makinde said the government’s priority remained the safe and timely return of all victims.
“We will not give in to terror. We will do everything to ensure that our children and their teachers are returned safely,” the governor stated.
He, however, noted that the government was prepared to engage with the abductors in a bid to peacefully resolve the situation.
“Whatever it is they demand, we are ready to listen to them and address what we can as a state government. But the children and their teachers must be released timely,” he added.
Makinde confirmed that seven students were abducted from Community Secondary School, while 18 children and seven teachers were kidnapped from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School in Oriire Local Government Area.
The governor also confirmed that one of the victims was killed during the attack, noting that the rescue operations were still ongoing.
Describing the situation as “fluid and difficult” for security operatives on ground, he appealed for responsible reportage of the incident, stressing that the matter involved lives and should not be sensationalised.
Makinde disclosed that an operational centre has been established at the Oyo State Police Headquarters, where the Commissioner of Police would provide verified updates on the operation.
On security reinforcement efforts, the governor announced that two surveillance aircraft procured by the state government had arrived in Nigeria and were currently being reassembled at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos.
He said the aircraft were expected to become operational before the end of June and would help monitor border areas between Oyo and Kwara States, as well as the international border with the Republic of Benin.
Makinde assured residents that the government remainedcommitted to securing the state and ensuring the safe return of the abducted victims.
He also urged residents to provide timely information to security agencies, saying, “If you see something strange, say something and expect us to do something.”
Deji Elumoye, Sunday Aborisade, Linus Aleke in and Kemi Olaitan
