Makinde Calls for Unity amid Mass Protests
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called for unity and calm amid
mass protests following the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in
Ogbomoso, stressing that politicising the crisis or engaging in divisive
actions could undermine ongoing rescue efforts.
He assured citizens that both state and federal authorities are working
tirelessly with security agencies to secure the victims’ release.
On May 15, 2026, armed men attacked schools in Oriire Local Government
Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 students and seven teachers. The attackers
killed an assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist during the raid.
The incident sparked outrage across Nigeria, with teachers, students,
and civil society groups staging protests in Ibadan, Ogbomoso, and other cities
demanding urgent government action.
Governor Makinde addressed protesters and stakeholders, including the
Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the National Association of Nigerian Students
(NANS), and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
He urged restraint, warning that protests could embolden kidnappers and distract from rescue operations. Instead, he called for unity and trust in government efforts, noting that security operatives had been deployed and were actively engaged in operations across Oyo State. Makinde emphasized:“This is not the time to trade blames and play politics. It is a time to pull together as one.”He described the kidnappers as “not normal human beings” and urged citizens to avoid actions that could deepen division. He assured families that “our children and their teachers will be rescued.”
The Federal Government has deployed a specialised rescue team and
announced the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen Oyo State’s
security architecture.
Makinde disclosed that he has been meeting security operatives multiple
times daily to coordinate rescue efforts. Both state and federal agencies are
working closely to ensure the victims’ safe return.
Protests have continued across Oyo State, with demonstrators carrying
placards such as “#BringBackOurChildren” and “#47Abducted.” Teachers have also
declared an indefinite strike, demanding stronger security measures in schools.
Civil society activists have criticised both state and federal governments
for failing to adequately protect citizens.
The abductions have become a national tragedy, highlighting Nigeria’s
worsening insecurity.
Makinde’s call for unity is aimed at preventing division and ensuring
focus on the rescue mission. Security agencies are actively engaged, with
federal reinforcements promised.
Public anger remains high, with protests and strikes continuing until concrete results are seen.
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