Ribadu, IGP, others visit abducted Oyo pupils, teachers’ families
The Federal Government delegation met with community leaders and relatives of the victims as efforts continue to secure the release of those still being held captive.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited Ogbomoso, Oyo State, to meet with community leaders and families of teachers, students and pupils abducted from schools in the area.
The visit yesterday followed the abduction of teachers and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area recently.
During the visit, the Federal Government delegation met with community leaders and relatives of the victims as efforts continue to secure the release of those still being held captive.
The high-level visit comes amid growing public concern over the incident, which has sparked protests and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and rural communities across Oyo State.
Also, the State Governor Seyi Makinde visited Ogbomoso and reassured residents that his administration would continue to deploy every available effort to secure the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils.
Addressing members of the community, the governor appealed for patience, understanding and cooperation, urging residents not to apportion blame to either the federal or state government but to unite behind efforts to rescue the victims.
Makinde sympathised with the affected families and the wider community, describing the incident as unprecedented, particularly because it involved the abduction of underage children.
He said he shared in the pain and grief of the victims’ families, adding that regardless of any grievances the abductors might claim to have, their actions remained cruel, unacceptable and inhumane.
The governor also recalled the sacrifices made by operatives of the Western Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, some of whom have lost their lives while tackling security challenges across the state.
He disclosed that since the abduction occurred, he had been holding security meetings twice daily and working closely with relevant security agencies to facilitate the safe return of the victims.
Makinde further commended security commanders for their dedication and commitment to protecting lives and property in the state and called on residents to continue praying for the success of ongoing rescue efforts.
“Don’t cry. I have come here today because of you. You installed this government. I want to let you know that this government is responsible to you. By the grace of God and your cooperation, we will bring back our children and the teachers.
“Please, I want you to cooperate with us because we are doing everything humanly possible to get our children and teachers back,” Makinde said.
He added: “This is not the time to start trading blame on who should be responsible for the release of these children between the state and federal government. This is just the time to come together to rescue our children and their teachers.
“I feel your pain but have trust in us.”
The abduction occurred after gunmen stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, and kidnapped 45 pupils and teachers.