Governor of Seyi Makinde has assured families of pupils and teachers abducted during recent attacks on schools in Oyo State that efforts are underway to secure their safe return.
Makinde gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, and other Muslim faithful at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan, as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The governor said his administration was working “round the clock” to ensure that the victims were rescued and reunited with their families, urging relatives not to lose hope despite the traumatic development.
“The challenges that we have, especially in Oyo with our school children being kidnapped, we are working tirelessly to ensure that the children are reunited with their families,” he said.
Makinde also expressed sympathy for affected families and prayed for divine intervention, noting that the government remained committed to addressing the security situation.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that scores of pupils and teachers were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.
The attacks, which occurred penultimate Friday around 9:30 a.m., have heightened concerns over the safety of schools in the state.
Speaking further, Makinde called for unity and peaceful coexistence among residents, particularly as the country approaches another political season. He warned against allowing political, ethnic or religious differences to divide the people.
“Oyo remains a liberal and tolerant state where religion and ethnicity cannot be easily used to create division,” he said, adding that political offices were temporary while the collective interest of the state and the nation must take precedence.
Earlier, Lawal said the Eid visit was in line with the spirit of the celebration, which promotes sacrifice, unity and togetherness. He commended the governor for sustaining religious harmony and inclusive governance in the state.
Meanwhile, Muslim faithful gathered in large numbers at the Agodi Eid praying ground in Ibadan to observe Eid prayers, offering supplications for peace, unity and improved security across the state and the country.
The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, AbdulGaniyy Agbotomokekere, who led the prayers, urged Nigerians to remain steadfast and also prayed for the safe return of the abducted victims, calling on security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.
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