Governor Seyi Makinde has assured residents of Oyo State that all the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area on May 16 would be rescued and safely reunited with their families.
Makinde gave the assurance on Wednesday at his Ikolaba residence while hosting his deputy, Bayo Lawal, alongside Muslim appointees in the state as part of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Speaking during the gathering, the governor shifted attention from the Sallah festivities to address the recent abduction incident involving students and teachers in the state.
“We’re working around the clock to ensure the abducted children are united with their families,” Makinde said.
“I pray that God Almighty console those in despair at their point of need,” he added.
The governor also urged residents to continue embracing tolerance and peaceful coexistence as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the next election season.
“We are moving toward the political season, and for us in Oyo State, we are very liberal and tolerant people.
“It is difficult to use ethnicity or religion to divide us,” he stated.
Makinde stressed that while governments may change, the unity and stability of the state and the country must remain protected.
“Even as we move toward the political era, remember that governments will come and go, but the state and our country will remain.
“In another seven or eight months, the president-elect and governors-elect would have emerged.
“We all have to work together with whoever emerges in the interest of our state and our country,” he said.
Earlier, the deputy governor, Bayo Lawal, while speaking with journalists at the Ibadan Central Praying Ground in Agodi, reflected on the lessons of obedience and sacrifice associated with Eid-el-Kabir.
“Prophet Ibrahim obeyed, and at the point of the sacrifice of his son, Allah spared the son and replaced him with a ram.
“This signifies the need and importance of obedience to lawful authority,” Lawal said.
He also encouraged Muslims to embrace sacrifice, charity, and mutual support during the celebration.
“Wherever we are as Muslims and in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, we must imbibe the spirit of sacrifice.
“Muslims must also imbibe the spirit of charity by helping one another,” he added.
Lawal further noted that Oyo State had remained peaceful under the current administration and urged residents to continue praying for stability and harmony across the state.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiyy Agbotomokekere, called on Muslims to embrace tolerance and emulate the virtues of Prophet Ibrahim.
He also advised politicians to avoid actions capable of triggering violence as the country gradually moves into another political campaign season.
What You Should Know
The abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area recently heightened security concerns in Oyo State, especially around the safety of schools and rural communities.
The incident triggered fear among parents and residents, prompting the state government to suspend excursions and external school activities earlier. Governor Seyi Makinde’s latest assurance comes amid growing public pressure on authorities to secure the safe return of the victims.
Eid-el-Kabir celebrations across Nigeria have also become a period where political leaders deliver messages promoting peace, sacrifice, religious tolerance, and national unity ahead of the 2027 election season.
