By Michael Odetunde
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has assured the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) of his administration’s commitment to securing the safe return of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, while receiving representatives of the groups at the Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, following a protest over the growing security concerns in the state.
Makinde reiterated that his government would continue to prioritise the safety and well-being of residents, stressing that efforts were ongoing to ensure the release of the victims and strengthen security across Oyo State.
He also stated that the government remains open to constructive feedback from citizens and stakeholders on ways to improve security and address emerging threats.
The governor’s remarks came after protesters, led by NANS, NUT, and NLC, demonstrated against the rising cases of kidnapping and banditry in parts of the state.
It would be recalled that 40 pupils and several teachers of Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A Primary School, Esiele and were abducted in a coordinated attack which claimed lives of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist and some security operatives in Oriire Local Government Area last month. The victims are reportedly still being held captive by their abductors, prompting widespread concern and calls for urgent government intervention.
The protest groups urged the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims and curb the growing insecurity affecting communities across Oyo State
