The Federal Government on Saturday intensified efforts to secure the release of abducted teachers and pupils in Oyo State as top security and government officials visited Ogbomoso to meet with affected families and community leaders.
The delegation, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, included Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Their visit comes more than two weeks after gunmen stormed three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, abducting dozens of teachers and pupils in one of the state’s most disturbing security incidents in recent years.
During the visit, the officials held discussions with community leaders and relatives of the victims, assuring them that security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the safe release of those still being held captive.
The abduction, which occurred at Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, has generated widespread outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of schools and rural communities across the country.
The Federal Government’s intervention followed growing pressure from residents, education stakeholders and civil society groups demanding urgent action.
Also on Saturday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde visited the affected communities and appealed for calm as rescue efforts continue.
Addressing residents and families of the victims, Makinde urged the public to avoid assigning blame to either the state or federal government, stressing that the immediate priority should be securing the release of the abducted teachers and children.u
The governor described the incident as particularly heartbreaking because it involved schoolchildren, noting that no justification could excuse such an act.
He expressed sympathy for the affected families and condemned the actions of the kidnappers, describing them as cruel and inhumane.
Makinde disclosed that since the incident occurred, he has been holding security briefings twice daily and working closely with security agencies to coordinate rescue operations.
He also praised members of the Western Security Network, Amotekun Corps, and other security personnel for their sacrifices in protecting communities across the state, noting that some operatives had lost their lives in the line of duty.
“I have come here because of you. This government belongs to you and remains accountable to you. With God’s help and your cooperation, we will bring back our children and their teachers safely,” the governor said.
He added that the situation required unity and cooperation rather than political finger-pointing.
“This is not the time to argue about whether responsibility lies with the state or federal government. This is the time to come together and rescue our children and teachers. I understand your pain, but I ask you to trust us,” he said.
The attack on May 15 saw armed men invade the schools and abduct 45 pupils and teachers. Days later, reports emerged that one of the abducted teachers, a mathematics instructor, had been killed by the kidnappers.
The incident has sparked nationwide condemnation, with both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Makinde promising that every effort would be made to rescue the victims and bring those responsible to justice.
As many of the abductees remain in captivity, anxiety continues to grow among residents and relatives.
The frustration boiled over last Monday when teachers in Ogbomoso staged a peaceful protest, suspending academic activities and marching to the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) office to demand urgent government intervention.
Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesters called on authorities to accelerate rescue efforts and strengthen security around schools to prevent future attacks.
The abduction has once again highlighted growing concerns over insecurity in rural communities and the vulnerability of educational institutions to criminal attacks across Nigeria.
