Eid-el-Kabir: Makinde Vows Safe Return of Kidnapped Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State  has reassured residents of Oyo State that efforts are ongoing to secure the safe return of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area earlier this month.

The governor gave the assurance on Wednesday during an Eid-el-Kabir gathering at his Ikolaba residence in Ibadan while hosting his deputy, Muslim political appointees and community leaders. Makinde briefly shifted attention from the Eid celebrations to address growing public concern over the May 16 abduction involving schoolchildren and teachers in the state.

“We’re working around the clock to ensure the abducted children are united with their families,” the governor said. “I pray that God Almighty consoles those in despair at their point of need.”

The incident has heightened security concerns in parts of the state and triggered renewed calls for stronger protection around schools and rural communities. Makinde also appealed to residents to maintain peace and tolerance as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections begin to gather momentum. “We are moving toward the political season, and for us in Oyo State, we are very liberal and tolerant people,” he said. “It is difficult to use ethnicity or religion to divide us.”

The governor stressed that governments and political administrations would come and go, but the stability of the state and country must remain paramount. “In another seven or eight months, the president-elect and governors-elect would have emerged. We all have to work together with whoever emerges in the interest of our state and our country,” he added.

Earlier, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, said Eid-el-Kabir symbolises obedience, sacrifice and submission to lawful authority.

He urged Muslims to embrace charity, peaceful coexistence and support for vulnerable members of society.

The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Abdulganiyy Agbotomokekere, also called for tolerance and restraint among political actors ahead of the election season. He warned against actions capable of disrupting the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state.

The abduction of schoolchildren remains a deeply sensitive national issue in Nigeria following repeated attacks on schools in several parts of the country over the past decade.