Abducted Oyo pupils, teachers spend one month in captivity, Makinde seeks help

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for deeper collaboration between the state government and the Nigeria Police Force in the ongoing efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in the Oriire Local Government Area. The appeal was made during a meeting with the Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the South-West, Olatoye Fayoade, in Ibadan.

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The painful reality that the abducted children and their teachers have remained in captivity for a month underpins the need for sustained cooperation among security institutions and governments at all levels.

The abduction, which occurred on Friday, May 15, 2026, targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele. Today marks exactly one month since the students and their teachers were taken captive, a situation Governor Makinde described as one of the most traumatic incidents to confront the state recently.

Makinde emphasized that the prolonged captivity underscores the critical need for sustained cooperation among security institutions and governments at all levels. He reiterated the government's commitment to working closely with federal security agencies until all victims are freed. The governor acknowledged the significant security responsibilities faced by the police and other agencies, noting challenges such as limited resources and the vast areas requiring surveillance.

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Today marks exactly one month since the children and their teachers were abducted. It has been a traumatic and depressing situation for us as a government and for the people of Oyo.

Despite these difficulties, Makinde expressed the state government's appreciation for the efforts of security personnel. He pledged that the administration would provide additional support where necessary, urging the DIG to relay the state's gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police. The governor also requested recommendations on areas where government intervention could further strengthen police operations, stating, "Whatever we can do as a government, we are ready to do."

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Whatever we can do as a government, we are ready to do. If there are areas where you think we need to do more to better support officers and men of the command, we are prepared to act.