Oyo State Kidnapping Victims to be Reunited with Families, Governor Makinde Pledges on Eid-el-Kabir

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has given his assurance that all the children and teachers kidnapped on May 16 in the Oriire Local Government Area will be rescued and reunited with their families.

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This promise was made on Wednesday at his Ikolaba residence, where he was hosting his deputy, Mr Bayo Lawal, and other Muslim appointees in the state.

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During the meeting, Governor Makinde briefly digressed from discussions about the Eid-el-Kabir celebration to address the recent abduction of school children in the state.

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He stated, "We're working around the clock to ensure the abducted children are united with their families," and also said, "I pray that God Almighty console those in despair at their point of need."

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The governor urged residents to continue embracing the spirit of tolerance as the state approaches the political campaign season, emphasizing that Oyo State's reputation for tolerance would serve as its shield.

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He noted, "We are moving toward the political season, and for us in Oyo State, we are very liberal and tolerant people," and added, "It is difficult to use ethnicity or religion to divide us."

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Governor Makinde also reminded the people that governments come and go, but the state and the country will remain, saying, "Even as we move toward the political era, remember that governments will come and go, but the state and our country will remain."

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In about seven or eight months, he said, the president-elect and governors-elect would have emerged, and "We all have to work together with whoever emerges in the interest of our state and our country," he stressed.

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Earlier, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal spoke to newsmen at the Ibadan Central Praying Ground, Agodi, about the importance of obeying God's commandment, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.

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Lawal said, "Prophet Ibrahim obeyed, and at the point of the sacrifice of his son, Allah spared the son and replaced him with a ram," signifying the need for obedience to lawful authority.

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He also emphasized the need for sacrifice, saying, "Wherever we are as Muslims and in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, we must imbibe the spirit of sacrifice," and that Muslims must also help one another through charity.

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Lawal stated that the state had enjoyed peace under the present administration and prayed it would continue, urging the people to pray for stability and peaceful coexistence.

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The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiyy Agbotomokekere, called on all Muslims to be tolerant and accommodate one another, and to emulate the deeds of Prophet Ibrahim.

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Agbotomokekere cautioned politicians to refrain from anything that could lead to violence and disrupt the state's peaceful atmosphere as the nation moves towards the political campaign season.