A high-powered Federal Government delegation on Saturday visited Ogbomoso in Oyo State to meet with community leaders and families of teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, as authorities intensify efforts to secure the release of those still in captivity.
The delegation comprised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Their visit followed the May 15 abduction of teachers and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Oriire LGA, an incident that has triggered widespread outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in schools and rural communities across Oyo State.
During the visit, the Federal Government officials held consultations with community leaders and relatives of the victims, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe return of those still being held by the kidnappers.
The visit came amid mounting public pressure on authorities to rescue the abductees and strengthen security around educational institutions.
Also on Saturday, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, visited Ogbomoso and assured residents that his administration remained fully committed to securing the release of the abducted teachers and pupils.
Addressing members of the affected communities, the governor appealed for patience, understanding and cooperation, urging residents to avoid assigning blame to either the federal or state government and instead support ongoing rescue efforts.
Makinde described the abduction as a tragic and unprecedented incident, particularly because it involved underage children. He expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and condemned the actions of the kidnappers as cruel, unacceptable and inhumane.
The governor also paid tribute to operatives of the Western Security Network, Amotekun, some of whom, he said, had lost their lives while confronting security threats across the state.
According to him, security meetings had been held twice daily since the abduction, while close collaboration with relevant security agencies continued to ensure the victims’ safe return.
He commended security commanders for their commitment to protecting lives and property and called on residents to continue supporting the government through cooperation and prayers.
Makinde assured the community that every available resource was being deployed to secure the release of the victims.
The abduction occurred when gunmen reportedly invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, and kidnapped 45 teachers and pupils.
Days after the attack, reports emerged that one of the abducted teachers, said to be a Mathematics teacher, had been killed by the kidnappers.
The incident drew condemnation from both Governor Makinde and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who pledged swift action to rescue the victims and bring those responsible to justice.
However, with many of the abductees still in captivity more than two weeks after the incident, anxiety has continued to grow across the state.
The frustration culminated in a peaceful protest in Ogbomoso last Monday, during which teachers suspended academic activities and marched to the Teaching Service Commission office to demand urgent government intervention.
Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the protesters called on authorities to intensify rescue efforts and improve security around schools to ensure safer learning environments for students and education workers.
