Oyo Advisory Council Chairman Backs Makinde, Urges Unity Over Orire School Kidnap

The Oyo State Governor’s Advisory Council Chairman has thrown its weight behind the ongoing efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde to secure the release of schoolchildren and their teachers abducted by gunmen in Orire Local Government Area of the state.

The Chairman of the Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), met with Governor Makinde and reviewed the security situation in the state, particularly the government’s response to the abduction that has generated concern among residents and parents.

At the meeting, the Chairman received briefings on the various measures being undertaken by the state government and security agencies to ensure the safe return of the victims.

Chief Ayorinde (SAN) commended the governor for what he described as his proactive leadership and commitment to addressing the crisis.

Ayorinde noted that Oyo State had enjoyed a largely peaceful security environment before the unfortunate incident, describing the abduction as a dastardly, cowardly and brutal act aimed at creating fear among residents and disrupting the peace for which the state is known.

Speaking after the meeting, Ayorinde expressed optimism that the situation would soon be brought under control, assuring residents that concerted efforts were being made to secure the release of the abducted children and their teachers.

According to him, all hands are currently on deck as the government works closely with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure a successful outcome.

He stressed that the safety and well-being of the victims remain the foremost priority of the administration.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria urged residents not to succumb to fear or panic, but instead to remain vigilant and supportive of the authorities as security operations continue.

He emphasized that criminals should not be allowed to undermine the peace and stability that Oyo State has enjoyed over the years.

Ayorinde further called on the people of the state to unite against criminal elements and terrorists seeking to destabilise the state and create an atmosphere of insecurity.

He said such threats could only be defeated through collective resolve, cooperation with security agencies and sustained community vigilance.

The Council Chairman praised Governor Makinde for his handling of the situation, describing the governor as a leader who has remained actively engaged since news of the abduction broke.

He said the administration had demonstrated seriousness of purpose and a determination to ensure that the victims are rescued unharmed.

He appealed to citizens, community leaders, religious organisations and traditional institutions to rally round the governor and support the government’s efforts at this critical period.

He noted that unity and public cooperation would strengthen the ongoing rescue operations.

The Council Chairman also called on residents to offer prayers for the safe release of the abducted children and their teachers, expressing confidence that the government and security agencies would succeed in bringing them back to their families safely.

The abduction occurred when armed men reportedly attacked a school in the Orire area and forcefully took away several pupils alongside members of staff.

The incident sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about the activities of kidnappers targeting schools and vulnerable communities across parts of the country.

Since the incident, the Oyo State Government has maintained that it is working with security agencies to secure the victims’ freedom.

Authorities have continued to assure parents and residents that every available resource is being deployed to achieve their safe rescue while efforts are intensified to track down those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice.