The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has said his administration is prepared to explore all possible options, including dialogue, in efforts to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The governor made the statement on Monday while addressing the security situation following the recent attack in Oyo State, where armed men stormed a school in Oriire Local Government Area and reportedly abducted students and staff members.
Makinde noted that while security agencies have been deployed to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victims, the state government is also open to communication with the abductors if it would lead to a safe return of the captives.
According to him, the priority of the government remains the safe recovery of the abducted schoolchildren and their teachers, stressing that all necessary measures both security operations and other strategic approaches are being considered.
However, the governor maintained that the state will not compromise its responsibility to fight criminality, adding that law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing intelligence-driven operations across affected communities.
Security operatives, including tactical police units and other agencies, have reportedly been deployed to the area as part of ongoing rescue efforts. Authorities are also said to be working with local informants and intelligence sources to trace the movement of the abductors.
The incident has triggered renewed concern over the safety of schools in rural communities, with residents calling for stronger protection of educational institutions.
As operations continue, the state government has assured residents that every effort is being made to ensure the safe return of all victims.
