Oyo school abduction followed my 2027 presidential declaration - Makinde

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has linked the recent abduction of pupils and teachers to his declaration to run for Nigeria's presidency in 2027. Makinde stated that the incident, which occurred on May 15, was the first of its kind in Oyo State during his seven years in office.

Speaking in Bauchi, Makinde noted the timing of the abduction, saying, "I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following morning, the children were abducted." He emphasized that Oyo State had been free from such incidents throughout his tenure until this event.

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For seven years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following morning, the children were abducted.

The governor's remarks came as the Presidency announced the successful rescue of all abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity. The operation, involving the military, Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force, resulted in the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, with others neutralized.

Makinde expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for the safe return of the victims, calling the development "a big relief" that ended weeks of anxiety for families and the state. The Presidency confirmed that no negotiations were made with the abductors, and no detained individuals were released in exchange for the hostages.

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a big relief