IBADAN, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, appealed to residents and families of abducted pupils and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area to remain calm and avoid public protests during an address on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
Okay News reports that Seyi Makinde delivered the message during a thanksgiving service marking the 60th birthday and retirement of the outgoing Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni, held at the Christ Apostolic Church in Ibadan.
Seyi Makinde said that security agencies were on the trail of the abductors and assured residents that efforts were underway to ensure the victims return unharmed. He stated that public demonstrations at this stage could worsen the situation by giving kidnappers the attention they seek.
“This is not the time for protests. Terrorists and bandits do not think like normal people. If they did, they would not be carrying out such acts. Protests at this moment may only fuel their ego. We are doing everything possible, and this is the time for all of us to work together rather than apportion blame,” Seyi Makinde said.
The governor added that spiritual support was necessary to resolve the crisis. “Only God can touch their hearts. We are making every effort to bring back our children and their teachers safely,” Seyi Makinde said.
