Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, has appealed to protesting teachers in the state to trust the government’s efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire LGA.
The governor spoke on Monday as members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) continued protests over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from schools in Ahoro-Esinele community.
Makinde said the rescue operation requires unity among stakeholders rather than blame-shifting.
“This is not the time for us to say it is the president that should handle it, or it is the governor, or the local government,” he said.
“This is a time to pull together as one.”
The governor described the abductors as people who have no regard for human life.
“We’re not dealing with normal human beings,” he said.
“Just think briefly. How will somebody take a fellow human being and slaughter him? Is that somebody that is normal?”
“So these are not normal people.”
REMAIN PATIENT, WE ARE WORKING
Makinde urged teachers, workers and students to remain patient while security agencies continue rescue efforts.
“I can only appeal to you, for the students, the workers and the teachers, to please have trust in your government,” he said.
“We’re doing our best.”
The governor disclosed that security personnel deployed by the federal government had been working in the state for weeks to secure the victims’ release.
“I’ve had security operatives from the federal government here for the past two weeks,” he said.
“They have spent their time here. I’ve been meeting with them morning, night, and sometimes three or four times in a day.”
Makinde warned against actions that could deepen divisions at a time when collective efforts are needed.
“We shouldn’t provide oxygen to the people that want to see us divided,” he said.
“The response at this time should be to pull together and allow the government to see this through.”
He assured the protesters that the government remains committed to securing the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
“I can give you the assurance that our children and their teachers…” he said, before reiterating the government’s determination to bring them back safely.
