Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday called for stronger collaboration between the state government and the Nigeria Police Force in ongoing efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from Yawota and Esiele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Makinde made the appeal while receiving the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the South-West, Olatoye Fayoade, during a working visit to his office in Ibadan, the state capital.
The visit was part of the Inspector-General of Police’s directive for senior police officers to engage stakeholders and assess security challenges across the country.
The pupils and teachers were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area, on May 15, 2026.Speaking during the visit, Makinde described the abduction as one of the most traumatic incidents the state has faced in recent times, stressing that the government would continue to work closely with federal security agencies until all the victims regain their freedom.
He said, “The painful reality that the abducted children and their teachers have remained in captivity for a month underscores the need for sustained cooperation among security agencies and governments at all levels.
“Today marks exactly one month since the children and their teachers were abducted. It has been a traumatic and distressing experience for us as a government and for the people of Oyo State. We remain committed to working with federal authorities, especially the Nigeria Police Force, to resolve this situation.”
The governor acknowledged the enormous responsibilities confronting the police and other security agencies, noting that limited resources and the need to secure vast territories pose significant operational challenges.
He added that Oyo State’s large landmass presents unique security demands and commended security personnel for their efforts despite the challenges.
Makinde reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing additional support where necessary and urged the DIG to convey the state’s appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police.
He also requested recommendations on areas where government intervention could further strengthen police operations.
“Whatever we can do as a government, we are ready to do. If there are areas where you believe we need to do more to support officers and men of the command, we are prepared to act,” he said.
The governor also commended the Inspector-General of Police for establishing the Violent Crimes Unit, describing it as an initiative that has already begun yielding positive results in Oyo State.
Earlier, DIG Fayoade assured the governor that the Nigeria Police Force remained fully committed to securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
He stressed that officers involved in the rescue operation would not relent until the victims were safely reunited with their families.
Fayoade conveyed the Inspector-General’s goodwill message to the governor and expressed sympathy with the government and people of Oyo State over the incident. He also commended Makinde for his continued support for security agencies operating in the state.
According to him, the purpose of the visit was to assess security challenges, identify operational concerns affecting policing, and relay findings to the Inspector-General for appropriate action.
The DIG disclosed that security measures had been strengthened across the state to prevent further criminal activities capable of undermining social and economic development.
He assured residents that the Commissioner of Police and other security personnel had been directed to intensify efforts to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure throughout the state.
Fayoade pledged that the force would continue to work diligently to prevent a recurrence of incidents such as the Oriire school abduction and maintain Oyo State’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the country.
