Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has again called for stronger collaboration between the Oyo State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to secure the release of pupils and teachers who have spent one month in captivity after being abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Makinde made the appeal on Monday while receiving the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-West geopolitical zone, DIG Olatoye Fayoade, during a working visit to the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The visit followed the directive of the Inspector-General of Police mandating senior police officers to engage stakeholders and assess security challenges across the country.
Recall that the abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all within Oriire Local Government Area.
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Makinde described the prolonged captivity of the pupils and teachers as deeply troubling, noting that the incident remains one of the most painful security situations faced by his administration.
He stressed that the continued detention of the victims highlights the need for sustained synergy among security agencies and all levels of government.
The governor said families of the abducted victims and residents across the state have continued to endure emotional trauma, assuring that the government would continue to support every lawful effort aimed at rescuing the victims safely.
Makinde also acknowledged the enormous burden placed on security agencies, especially in policing vast territories with limited operational resources.
According to him, Oyo State’s large landmass presents unique security challenges, making collaboration, intelligence sharing, and logistical support critical to effective policing.
The governor reiterated his administration’s readiness to provide additional support to security agencies to strengthen operations across the state.
He further urged DIG Fayoade to convey the appreciation of the Oyo State Government to the Inspector-General of Police, while also identifying areas where government intervention could further improve policing activities.
Makinde particularly commended the establishment of the Violent Crimes Unit by the Nigeria Police Force, stating that the initiative has already started yielding positive results in tackling insecurity in the state.
Responding, DIG Fayoade assured the governor that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to securing the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
He said officers involved in the rescue operation would not relent until all victims regain freedom and reunite with their families.
The DIG also sympathised with the Oyo State Government and residents over the unfortunate incident and commended Governor Makinde for his continued support for security agencies operating in the state.
According to him, the purpose of the visit was to assess the security situation in Oyo State, identify operational gaps, and relay findings to the Inspector-General of Police for necessary action.
Fayoade disclosed that security measures across the state have been strengthened to prevent further incidents capable of threatening public safety and socioeconomic activities.
He added that the Commissioner of Police and other relevant security personnel have been directed to intensify efforts toward protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure.
The DIG reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to preventing a recurrence of school abductions and maintaining Oyo State’s reputation as one of the peaceful states in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the continued captivity of the schoolchildren and their teachers has continued to generate anxiety among residents and education stakeholders, many of whom have called for intensified rescue efforts and improved security around schools across the state.
