Oyo school abduction: Governor Makinde vows to consider kidnappers' terms

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has vowed that his administration will not give in to terror, despite the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, and is willing to listen to the demands of the abductors to secure the safe release of the victims.

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Makinde made this declaration while addressing correspondents at his Kolapo Ishola residence in Ibadan on Monday, as part of the ongoing rescue efforts after gunmen attacked three schools and abducted pupils and teachers last Friday.

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The governor confirmed that seven students were abducted from Community Secondary School, while 18 children and seven teachers were kidnapped from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School, with one person killed during the attack.

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According to Makinde, the security operations to rescue the victims are still ongoing, with the situation being described as "fluid and difficult", and the governor appealed to journalists and the public to avoid sensationalising the incident, as lives are at stake.

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Makinde stated that the government has established an operational centre at the state Police Headquarters to coordinate information relating to the rescue mission, which will be overseen by the Commissioner of Police in the state.

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The governor noted that due to the complexity of the operation, not much information can be volunteered at this stage, but significant updates will be shared with the public as soon as possible.

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Makinde also provided an update on the state government's procurement of surveillance aircraft, saying that the aircraft have arrived in Nigeria and are being reassembled at the Nigerian Air Force base in Lagos by manufacturers from China.

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The governor explained that the aircraft are expected to be operational before the end of June, and were procured as part of proactive efforts to strengthen security around the border areas between Oyo State and Kwara State, as well as the international border between the state and the Republic of Benin.

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Makinde assured interested persons that they can visit the Nigerian Air Force base in Lagos to inspect the surveillance aircraft and the ongoing work on them.

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In response to concerns about rising tension among residents following the abductions, the governor assured the people that his administration remains committed to securing lives and property across the state.

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Makinde stressed the need for citizens to support security agencies with timely information, saying that if citizens see something strange, they should say something and expect the government to take action.

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The governor maintained that while the government will not capitulate to criminal elements, it remains open to dialogue to save the victims, and is willing to listen to the demands of the abductors and address them as a state government.

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Makinde lamented the state of insecurity in the country, saying that Nigerians must reflect on how society has deteriorated to the point where citizens now prey on one another, and noted that the country has descended to a point where citizens are now against each other.