Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured residents that the government is intensifying efforts alongside security agencies to secure the release of students and staff abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The governor said authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the victims are rescued safely and reunited with their families as quickly as possible.
Makinde gave the assurance on Wednesday while addressing journalists after receiving a Sallah delegation from the Muslim community at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan. The delegation was led by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, and included senior government officials as well as Islamic leaders.
The governor and the delegation had earlier attended Eid-el-Adha prayers at the Agodi Eid Ground in Ibadan.
Speaking on the recent abduction, Makinde expressed sympathy for affected families and reassured them that the government remains committed to securing the release of the victims.
“The challenges that we have, especially in Oyo State, with our school children being kidnapped, we are working round the clock to ensure that the children are reunited with their families,” he said.
He also offered prayers for families currently in distress, expressing hope that they would soon receive good news.
The governor further used the occasion to call for unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among residents as the country gradually moves into another political season.
According to him, Oyo State has always maintained a tradition of religious harmony and ethnic tolerance, insisting that politics should not divide the people.
Makinde stressed that government is temporary, while the unity and progress of the state and the country must remain paramount.
“For us in Oyo State, we are very liberal and tolerant people. It is difficult to use ethnicity or religion to divide us,” he said.
He added that despite political differences that may arise during elections, citizens must continue to work together for the collective interest of the state and Nigeria.
The governor also congratulated Muslim faithful on the Eid-el-Adha celebration and prayed for continued peace, stability and prosperity in Oyo State and across the country.