Oyo abductions: Bauchi governor blames insecurity on poor governance, poverty

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed visited Oyo State to express solidarity following the abduction of teachers and pupils, attributing the nation's insecurity to poor governance and poverty. He met with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at his private residence in Ibadan to sympathize with the people and government over the incident in the Yawota and Esienle communities.

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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, Seyi Makinde, over the ordeal that the people and government of Oyo are going through as a result of the abduction of our schoolchildren and their teachers.

Accompanied by leaders of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), including National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle, Governor Mohammed urged a significant rejig of Nigeria's security architecture. He emphasized the need for improved synergy among security agencies and better commitment to citizen safety. The Bauchi governor expressed his readiness to assist the Oyo State Government in securing the early release of the abductees, conveying optimism that they would soon regain their freedom.

Recalling the May 15 incident where terrorists stormed schools in Yawota and Esiele, killing a teacher and abducting over 45 pupils and teachers, Mohammed acknowledged Governor Makinde's efforts to secure their release. He conveyed condolences on behalf of himself, the government, and the people of Bauchi State, encouraging Makinde's ongoing efforts.

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It has been a lingering issue for some time, and we are truly sharing in the grief. We are here to encourage him that what he is doing to ensure their release is being noticed by the whole nation. And we join, on behalf of myself and the government and people of Bauchi State, to commiserate with him and encourage him to ensure that these Nigerians are released.

The visit also served as an opportunity for Governor Mohammed to congratulate Governor Makinde on his selection as the APM's presidential candidate. Describing Makinde as a "jolly good friend," Mohammed praised his energy, determination, and drive, suggesting he could significantly impact leadership and good governance in Nigeria. Mohammed reiterated that the nation's security framework requires critical review to foster greater commitment and improved synergy among security agencies.

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He (Makinde) is my jolly good friend, a young man with energy, determination and drive, who can do a lot to change the trajectory of leadership and good governance in Nigeria.