By Ayorinde Oluokun
Oyo governor, Seyi Makinde has said his administration is doing everything possible to rescue the schoolchildren and their teachers abducted by terrorists from three schools in Oriire local government area of the State.
Makinde said this in a short Eid-el-Kabir and Children’s Day message he published on his social media handle on Wednesday morning.
He also assured that security operatives are working to make communities across the state safe.
“As we mark this year’s Eid and Children’s Day, our thoughts are with every family awaiting the return of their loved ones, and with security agencies working to keep our communities safe.
“We are working to ensure the safe return of those who were kidnapped in Oriire LGA. May this holy season fill our State with peace,” Makinde said.
Meanwhile, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, has appealed to Muslims to observe the Eid-el-Kabir by offering prayers for the safe return of the Oriire abductees.
Ogundoyin described the incident as painful and deeply concerning in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Oyetunji Oyekunle, in Ibadan on Wednesday.
He urged Nigerians to engage in concerted prayers for the victims and comfort for the families, while calling for divine intervention in addressing insecurity in the state and across the country.
“As we celebrate and share in the joy of this season, let us remember our children and teachers who are currently in captivity following the unfortunate incident in Oriire Local Government Area.
Recall that armed attackers raided Baptist Nursery/Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area Ogbomosho axis, Oyo State on 15 May, abducting children and teachers,
Community sources said between 25 and more than 40 pupils, students, teachers and school workers were affected during the attacks, including a school principal, Mrs Rachael Alamu.
Gov. Seyi Makinde confirmed that 32 people were kidnapped, including 18 primary school pupils, seven teachers and seven students of the Community Grammar School.
One of the abducted teachers was later killed by the kidnappers.
