Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for deeper collaboration between the state government and the Nigeria Police Force in efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Makinde made the appeal on Monday while receiving the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the South-West, Olatoye Fayoade, during a working visit to the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.
The visit formed part of the directive of the Inspector-General of Police for senior officers to engage key stakeholders and assess security challenges across the country.
The governor’s appeal comes exactly one month after gunmen abducted pupils and teachers during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, on May 15, 2026.
Describing the incident as one of the most traumatic experiences in the state’s recent history, Makinde said the prolonged captivity of the victims remains a source of concern for both the government and residents.
“Today marks exactly one month since the children and their teachers were abducted. It has been a traumatic and depressing situation for us as a government and for the people of Oyo State,” the governor said.
He stressed that the state government remains committed to supporting federal security agencies and working collaboratively until all the victims are safely released.
Makinde acknowledged the enormous responsibilities facing security agencies, noting that limited resources and the challenge of monitoring vast territories continue to affect security operations.
According to him, Oyo State’s expansive landmass presents unique security concerns, making cooperation between government and security institutions even more critical.
The governor assured the police of continued support, urging the DIG to communicate the state’s appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police and identify areas where government intervention could further strengthen policing efforts.
“Whatever we can do as a government, we are ready to do. If there are areas where additional support is needed, we are prepared to act,” he stated.
Makinde also commended the Inspector-General’s establishment of the Violent Crimes Unit, noting that the initiative has already begun yielding positive results within the state.
In his response, DIG Fayoade assured residents that the Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers.
He pledged that officers involved in the operation would not relent until the victims are reunited with their families.
The DIG expressed sympathy with the government and people of Oyo State over the incident and commended Governor Makinde’s continued support for security agencies operating within the state.
Fayoade explained that his visit was aimed at assessing security challenges in the region and reporting strategic findings to the Inspector-General for necessary action.
He disclosed that security measures have been strengthened across Oyo State to prevent further criminal activities capable of disrupting peace and economic development.
The DIG further assured residents that the Commissioner of Police and other security personnel have been directed to intensify efforts toward protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to preventing a recurrence of incidents such as the Oriire school abduction and maintaining Oyo State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states.
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