Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured families of teachers and students abducted during recent attacks on schools in the state that efforts are ongoing to secure their safe return.
Makinde gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, alongside Muslim faithful at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan, during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The governor said his administration was working tirelessly to reunite the abducted victims with their families.
“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,” he said.
Makinde also sympathised with families affected by the incident and prayed for divine intervention for those currently facing difficult situations.
“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 added.
The abductions occurred during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The incident reportedly happened around 9:30 a.m. on Friday, with several teachers and students kidnapped by armed attackers.
Speaking further, Makinde called on Nigerians to remain united and avoid allowing political differences to divide them as the country gradually approaches another election season.
According to him, Oyo State has remained peaceful because residents do not easily allow religion or ethnicity to create division among them.
“Well, let me use this opportunity to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters, and indeed everyone in Oyo and Nigeria, happy Eid celebration,” the governor said.
He stressed that political offices are temporary, while the collective interest of the state and country should remain the priority.
“Government will come and go but our state and our country remain. Even when we disagree with ourselves, it’s a temporary thing,” he stated.
Earlier, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal explained that the visit by Muslim faithful to the governor’s residence was in line with the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir, which promotes peace, sacrifice, unity and togetherness.
Lawal also commended Makinde for sustaining religious harmony and inclusive governance in Oyo State.
Meanwhile, Muslim faithful gathered in large numbers at the Agodi Eid praying ground in Ibadan to observe Eid-el-Kabir prayers and offer supplications for peace, security and unity in the country.
The prayers were led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, AbdulGaniyy Agbotomokekere, who prayed for improved security and the safe return of those abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The congregation also urged security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and restore peace to affected communities.
