VIDEO: Makinde urges unity, assures protesters of abducted teachers, pupils rescue

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has appealed for unity and trust from protesters demanding the rescue of abducted teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area. Addressing demonstrators at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan, Makinde stressed that the situation requires collective action rather than assigning blame.

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This is a time to pull together as one. We're not dealing with normal human beings. How will somebody take a fellow human being and slaughter him? Is that somebody that is normal? So these are not normal people.

He stated that security agencies are working diligently to secure the victims' release, describing the perpetrators as acting with extreme brutality and not like rational human beings. "This is a time to pull together as one. We're not dealing with normal human beings. How will somebody take a fellow human being and slaughter him? Is that somebody that is normal? So these are not normal people," the governor said.

Makinde urged students, workers, and teachers to remain calm and have confidence in the government's efforts. He revealed that federal government security operatives have been deployed to the affected area for two weeks, and he has maintained constant contact with them, meeting multiple times daily. "I can only appeal to you, all the students, the workers, the teachers. Please have trust in your government. We’re doing our best," he added.

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I can only appeal to you, all the students, the workers, the teachers. Please have trust in your government. We’re doing our best.

The governor cautioned against actions that could embolden abductors or create divisions within the state, advocating for solidarity. "We shouldn’t provide oxygen to the people that want to see us divided. The response at this time should be to pull together and allow the government to see this through," Makinde stated. He expressed optimism for the safe rescue of the victims, assuring that their children and teachers are listening.

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We shouldn’t provide oxygen to the people that want to see us divided. The response at this time should be to pull together and allow the government to see this through.