Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Saturday met with families of the kidnapped pupils and staff members kidnapped in Orire area of the state, urging calm and cooperation as security agencies intensify efforts to secure their release.
The meeting, held at Ahoro-Esiele community, brought together relatives of the victims, community leaders, and residents.
Mr Makinde said he understood that mere words could not take away their pains, but assured his administration was working around the clock to bring everyone home safely.
“Since this incident occurred, I’ve been holding security meetings twice daily and working directly with security agencies.
We will push beyond every limit until all abductees are rescued,” he said.
He described the abductors’ actions as “cruel, unacceptable, and inhumane,” regardless of any grievances they claim to have.
Mr Makinde also paid tributes to the sacrifices of security personnel, noting that nearly 200 Amotekun operatives had died fighting crime across Oyo State since the corps was formed.
After addressing the larger crowd, Mr Makinde held a closed-door meeting with parents and relatives of the abducted pupils and teachers to share updates on the rescue operations.
The abduction has heightened security concerns in the area, with residents demanding faster action to end kidnapping along the state’s borders.
Families appeal for urgent action
During the meeting, relatives of the abducted victims appealed to the governor to intensify efforts to secure their release.
One of them, Rachael Alamu’s husband, Wole Alamu, a professor and dean at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Iseyin Campus, became emotional while speaking about his wife’s ordeal in captivity.
Mr Alamu said it was painful watching videos released by the abductors in which his wife was made to appeal for help.
“My wife is the one being used to make the videos that are being circulated. It is very disheartening and depressing,” he said before breaking down in tears.
In one of the videos released by the abductors, Mrs Alamu appealed to government authorities to take steps to secure the release of those being held captive, warning that the situation in the camp was worsening.
In the video recorded by her captors on Friday, Mrs Alamu said: “I’m here again to beg the government. Governor Seyi Makinde should dialogue with these people. They should not use force. The force they used yesterday has cost us so much.”
She also expressed fears over the safety of those in captivity.
“In fact, one of us has been picked that they are going to kill him. Please, we want you to call them and dialogue with them so that our lives will be saved,” she said.
While commending the governor for visiting the community and sustaining rescue efforts, Mr Alamu urged the government not to relent until all the victims regained their freedom.
Another resident, Funmilayo Ojo, said four of her grandchildren and her daughter-in-law were among those abducted.
Residents described the attack as the first incident of its kind in the community and called for improved security measures to prevent a recurrence.
The governor later reiterated that the state government would continue to explore all available options to ensure the victims were reunited with their families.
The kidnap
In announcing the kidnap on 15 May, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the attacks occurred in the early hours of the day when armed hoodlums riding motorcycles stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, near Alawusa, as well as Community Grammar School and L.A Primary School in Esiele, all in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Mr Makinde had earlier said 39 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped by the terrorists. He also announced that one of the teachers had been killed.
Mr Makinde also revealed that a joint rescue operation team, including soldiers, police and local vigilantes, ran into explosives planted by the terrorists, leaving some operatives wounded.
The Defence Headquarters later confirmed that a faction of the Boko Haram terror group carried out the attack.
The attack has been condemned by Nigerians and the international community, with President Bola Tinubu repeatedly pledging to ensure the safe return of the victims.
While security agencies continue to seek ways to free the victims, who are believed to be held in forests in the state, Mr Makinde had also indicated that his administration was willing to negotiate with the terrorists to ensure the safe return of the victims.
