The Governor of Seyi Makinde has assured families of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area that his administration is intensifying efforts to secure their safe return following the disturbing school attack that shook parts of Oyo State earlier this month.

Makinde visited one of the affected communities during the weekend, where he met grieving parents, community leaders and residents at L.A Basic School. The visit came nearly two weeks after suspected gunmen stormed communities in Oriire Local Government Area, killing residents and abducting several children and school staff.

During his address to the affected families, the governor acknowledged the fear and emotional trauma experienced by parents whose children remain in captivity. He stressed that the state government was working closely with security agencies and service commanders to coordinate rescue operations.

According to the governor, the matter has remained one of the administration’s highest priorities, with security meetings reportedly taking place twice daily to review intelligence and monitor progress in the rescue mission.

Makinde said the government was deploying all available resources to ensure the abducted victims are rescued safely. He also urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting security operatives with useful information that could aid ongoing operations.

The governor noted that the situation was particularly troubling because the victims included nursery and primary school pupils, describing the development as unusual and deeply disturbing. He explained that while school kidnappings had occurred in parts of Nigeria in recent years, the abduction of very young children represented a dangerous escalation.

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Speaking during the visit, Makinde explained that certain operational details could not be disclosed publicly because of the sensitive nature of the rescue mission. He said revealing too much information could jeopardize efforts to bring the children and teachers home safely.

The governor emphasized that the abductors were dangerous and unpredictable, making it necessary for authorities to proceed cautiously while balancing urgency with the safety of the victims.

He appealed to residents and political stakeholders not to politicize the tragedy or engage in blame games over responsibility for the attack. According to him, the immediate concern should be rescuing the abducted victims rather than assigning fault among different levels of government.

Makinde urged Nigerians to unite in support of affected families and security agencies, noting that public cooperation remained vital in combating insecurity across communities.

The attack in Oriire Local Government Area has generated nationwide concern following reports that suspected gunmen invaded two communities on May 15, 2026, killing at least two persons before abducting pupils and teachers from nearby schools.

The incident became even more alarming after reports emerged that one of the abducted teachers, identified as Michael Oyedokun of Community High School, Ahoro Esinele, was allegedly killed by the kidnappers. A disturbing video linked to the incident later circulated online, further increasing public anxiety over the fate of the remaining captives.

Last Friday, another emotional appeal reportedly came from two abducted school staff members, including principal Folawe Alamu, who pleaded with the governor to intensify efforts toward securing their freedom and protecting the lives of the remaining children.

The abduction has once again highlighted growing concerns over insecurity affecting schools and rural communities across Nigeria. Residents of Oriire Local Government Area have continued to call for stronger security presence and improved surveillance to prevent future attacks.

Security experts and community leaders have also urged federal and state authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering and expand protection around vulnerable schools, especially in remote areas where response time during emergencies can be delayed.

As rescue efforts continue, families of the abducted children remain hopeful that the victims will soon return home safely.