Governor Seyi Makinde has assured residents of Oyo State that all the schoolchildren and teachers abducted on May 16 in Oriire Local Government Area will 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 political appointees and other faithful in the state as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
While addressing guests during the gathering, the governor shifted focus from the festivities to the recent kidnapping incident involving schoolchildren and teachers in the state.
According to him, the state government and security agencies are intensifying efforts to ensure the victims are safely rescued.
“We’re working around the clock to ensure the abducted children are united with their families,” Makinde stated.
“I pray that God Almighty console those in despair at their point of need,” he added.
The governor also urged residents of the state to continue embracing peaceful coexistence and tolerance as the country gradually moves into another political campaign season.
Makinde stressed that Oyo State has historically maintained a reputation for tolerance and unity across ethnic and religious lines, noting that such values should remain a guiding principle during political activities.
“We are moving toward the political season, and for us in Oyo State, we are very liberal and tolerant people,” he said.
“It is difficult to use ethnicity or religion to divide us.”
He reminded residents that political office holders would eventually leave office while the state and country would continue to exist beyond political transitions.
“Even as we move toward the political era, remember that governments will come and go, but the state and our country will remain,” the governor stated.
“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 added.
Earlier, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal addressed journalists at the Ibadan Central Praying Ground in Agodi, where he highlighted the lessons of obedience and sacrifice associated with Prophet Ibrahim.
According to Lawal, the story of Prophet Ibrahim demonstrates the importance of obedience to lawful authority and the spirit of sacrifice among Muslims.
“Prophet Ibrahim obeyed, and at the point of the sacrifice of his son, Allah spared the son and replaced him with a ram,” he said.
“This signifies the need and importance of obedience to lawful authority.”
“Secondly, today’s event also signifies the need for sacrifice.”
“Wherever we are as Muslims and in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, we must imbibe the spirit of sacrifice,” Lawal added.
The deputy governor also encouraged Muslims to practice charity and mutual support, particularly during the festive season.
“Muslims must also imbibe the spirit of charity by helping one another,” he stated.
Lawal further expressed gratitude for the peaceful atmosphere currently being experienced in Oyo State under the present administration and prayed for its continuation.
He urged residents to continue praying for peace, stability, and harmonious coexistence across the state.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Abdulganiyy Agbotomokekere, advised Muslims to remain tolerant and accommodating toward one another.
The cleric urged faithful to emulate the virtues of Prophet Ibrahim, particularly obedience, patience, and tolerance in their daily lives.
He also warned politicians against actions capable of triggering violence or disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in the state as political campaigns approach.
The abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area has generated concern among residents and education stakeholders, with many calling for intensified security measures to protect schools and rural communities.
