Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has assured residents that every effort is being made to secure the release of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, urging Nigerians to remain united and avoid actions that could undermine ongoing rescue operations.

Makinde gave the assurance on Tuesday while addressing protesters at the Government House in Ibadan. The demonstrators, drawn from the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), and other stakeholders, had organised a solidarity rally to demand the immediate rescue of the victims.

The protests followed a nationwide outcry over the continued captivity of the abducted pupils and teachers, as well as an ongoing strike by teachers in Oyo State initiated by the NUT national leadership in response to the incident.

Addressing the crowd, the governor stressed that the rescue mission should not be politicised or turned into a blame game among different levels of government. According to him, the focus should remain on working together to ensure the safe return of the victims.

“This is not the time to apportion blame or argue over whether the responsibility lies with the president, the governor, or the local government. This is a time for all of us to come together as one,” Makinde said.

The governor described the kidnappers as dangerous criminals whose actions defy normal human behaviour, noting that security agencies were dealing with individuals capable of extreme violence.

“We are not dealing with normal human beings. Anyone who can abduct fellow human beings and kill them without remorse cannot be considered normal,” he said.

Makinde appealed to students, teachers, workers, and residents to maintain confidence in government efforts, revealing that security personnel deployed by the federal government had remained actively engaged in the state for more than two weeks.

He disclosed that he had been holding regular meetings with security operatives, sometimes several times a day, to review developments and coordinate rescue efforts.

“I can only appeal to the students, teachers, workers, and all residents to trust the government. We are doing everything possible. Federal security operatives have been on ground for the past two weeks, and I have been meeting with them morning, afternoon, and night to ensure that progress is being made,” he said.

The governor further warned against actions that could create division or provide encouragement to those behind the attacks, insisting that unity was critical at a time of national concern.

“We should not give oxygen to those who want to see us divided. The best response at this moment is for everyone to stand together and allow the government and security agencies to complete their work,” he added.

Makinde also expressed confidence that the victims would eventually regain their freedom.

“I can assure you that our children and their teachers will be rescued,” the governor stated.

The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, kidnapping about 39 pupils and seven teachers. During the attack, an assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist were reportedly killed.

Public anger intensified days later after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers.

The situation has continued to generate widespread concern across the country, with families of the victims, labour unions, student groups, and civil society organisations calling for urgent action.

In separate videos circulated on social media, one of the abducted victims, Rachael Alamu, the principal of Community High School, Esiele, appealed for government intervention, alleging that the kidnappers had threatened to kill another captive if negotiations were not pursued.

As pressure mounts, both state and federal authorities have stepped up engagement with affected families and local communities. Governor Makinde visited relatives of the victims on Saturday, while a federal delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited Ogbomoso on Sunday to assess the situation.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also directed the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to support efforts aimed at securing the safe release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers.

The incident remains one of the most disturbing school-related kidnappings in recent times and has renewed concerns over security in educational institutions across Nigeria.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has declared that the state will become too hot for criminal elements, assuring residents that his administration is fully committed to protecting lives and property across all parts of the state.

The governor gave the assurance after a security meeting with the Commander of the 12 Brigade, Lokoja, Brigadier-General Kazeem Umar Sidi, at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti.

According to a statement issued by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji said his administration is working closely with security agencies and the Federal Government to ensure the safety of all residents and maintain law and order throughout the state.

The governor urged citizens not to panic over security concerns, stressing that the government remains vigilant and is taking proactive steps to prevent criminal activities. He also warned individuals who spread false security alerts and fake reports of attacks to desist from such acts, describing them as mischievous and capable of causing unnecessary fear among the populace.

Governor Oyebanji maintained that Ekiti remains one of the safest states in Nigeria and assured residents that every necessary measure is being put in place to sustain the prevailing peace and security. He emphasized that his administration would spare no effort or resources in making the state uncomfortable for criminals and other lawbreakers.

He also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and security agencies for their continued support and collaboration in safeguarding lives and property in the state. The governor pledged that his administration would continue to provide the necessary logistics and support required by security operatives to effectively carry out their duties.

Speaking after the meeting, Governor Oyebanji said the visit by the Brigade Commander underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening security across the country.

“This visit by the Brigadier-General to Ekiti State is to discuss security matters, and it shows that the Federal Government is concerned about securing all of us in the country. We have compared notes and agreed on steps that will be taken to ensure everyone in the state is safe and secure,” the governor said.

He further reassured residents that there was no cause for alarm, noting that his government remains resolute in its determination to protect citizens and preserve the peaceful atmosphere for which the state is known.

“My charge to Ekiti people is to put their minds at rest. This government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that citizens are protected. This is also a strong signal to all criminal elements in the state that Ekiti will be too hot for them, especially as we move towards the elections in the next three weeks,” he added.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace, security and stability before, during and after the forthcoming elections, assuring residents that all necessary measures have been put in place to guarantee a safe environment for everyone.

The Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Mrs Grace Ogunleye, has been rescued unhurt after she was abducted by suspected gunmen along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti Road.

The council official was reportedly kidnapped on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, while travelling within the area. Sources disclosed that her vehicle was later discovered abandoned by the roadside, while her mobile phone was switched off, raising concerns over her whereabouts.

Confirming the development on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Sunday Abutu, said the victim regained her freedom through a coordinated rescue operation carried out by security operatives.

According to the police statement, the operation involved joint efforts by the police, military personnel, other security agencies and local security outfits, who mounted intense pressure on the abductors during the rescue mission.

Abutu stated that Mrs Ogunleye was rescued safely without injuries, while investigations had commenced to uncover those responsible for the abduction and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He added that the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Micheal Falade, has directed a thorough investigation into the case with a view to apprehending the perpetrators.

The incident has further heightened security concerns in Ilejemeje Local Government Area following a recent attack by gunmen on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo on April 28, 2026, during which a pastor was killed and about 15 worshippers abducted.

The abducted church members are reportedly still in captivity, while security agencies say efforts are ongoing to secure their safe rescue.