Bauchi Governor visits Oyo counterpart over teacher, pupil abductions

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed visited his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, at his private residence in Ibadan to express sympathy following the abduction of teachers and pupils in the Yawota and Esiele communities. The visit, accompanied by leaders of the Allied People’s Movement, aimed to commiserate with Oyo State over the tragic incident and to call for a significant reform of the nation's security framework.

Mohammed, who met with Makinde for a closed-door discussion, commended the Oyo State governor's ongoing efforts to secure the release of the abducted individuals. He conveyed optimism that the victims would soon regain their freedom. "I am here with our leaders from the Allied People’s Movement to commiserate with our presidential candidate and the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, about the travails that the people and government of Oyo State are going through as a result of the abduction of our school children and their teachers," Mohammed told journalists.

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I am here with our leaders from the Allied People’s Movement to commiserate with our presidential candidate and the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, about the travails that the people and government of Oyo State are going through as a result of the abduction of our school children and their teachers.

He added that the visit was also intended to encourage Makinde, assuring him that his actions to ensure the victims' release are being recognized nationally. "It has been a lingering issue for some time, and we are really sharing with him the grief. We are here to encourage him that what he is doing to ensure their release is being noticed by the whole nation," he said. Mohammed reiterated that he was in Ibadan on behalf of the government and people of Bauchi State to express solidarity and support for the rescue operations.

The visit occurs amidst widespread concern over the continued captivity of the teachers and pupils, who were abducted during attacks on schools in the Oriire Local Government Area. Security agencies are intensifying their efforts, while political figures, civil society organizations, and citizens are urging swift action to address the escalating insecurity across the country.

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It has been a lingering issue for some time, and we are really sharing with him the grief. We are here to encourage him that what he is doing to ensure their release is being noticed by the whole nation.