Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on Nigerians to avoid apportioning blame over the abduction of pupils and teachers in the state and instead support ongoing efforts to secure their safe and swift release.

More than 40 pupils and students, alongside seven teachers from three schools in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, were kidnapped by armed bandits on May 15, sparking widespread concern and protests across the state.

Addressing demonstrators comprising members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ibadan on Tuesday, Makinde expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as a personal tragedy.

The governor recalled that his late father taught at Ahoro Dada Primary School in the 1959/60 academic session, a community located close to the scene of the abduction.

“My father taught in that area. If such an incident had happened then, I probably would not have been born. This situation is deeply painful to me,” he said.

Makinde stressed that the focus should remain on rescuing the victims rather than engaging in blame games over which level of government bears responsibility.

“This is not the time to accuse the President, the governor or local government officials. It is a time for unity because we are confronting criminals who have no regard for human life. We must work together to ensure the safe return of the children and their teachers,” he stated.

The governor disclosed that federal security personnel had been deployed to the state since the incident occurred and that he receives regular briefings on rescue operations several times daily.

He appealed to teachers, workers, students and parents to maintain confidence in government efforts, assuring them that security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the release of the victims.

Makinde also warned against actions or statements capable of creating division at a time when collective action is needed.

“We should not give room to those who seek to divide us. The best response now is to allow government and security agencies to continue their work,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the abducted pupils, students and teachers would be rescued safely and reunited with their families.

Commenting on the decision of the Nigeria Union of Teachers to keep schools closed in affected areas, the governor said the union was entitled to make decisions in the interest of its members, while reaffirming government’s commitment to improving security.

Makinde further invited stakeholders and members of the public to contribute ideas on strengthening the state’s security architecture after the immediate crisis is resolved.

“If anyone has suggestions on how we can improve security in the medium and long term, we are ready to listen and act where necessary,” he added.

Earlier, NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, and Oyo State NUT Chairman, Hassan Fatai, urged the government to intensify efforts to secure the release of those in captivity.

Babatunde condemned kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities across the country, while expressing support for government efforts to tackle insecurity.

Fatai, on his part, said the incident had heightened fear among teachers, making it difficult for many to carry out their duties with confidence.

He called for urgent action to rescue the victims and strengthen security around schools to prevent future attacks.

“Our schools must be safe spaces for teaching and learning. Children and teachers should never have to fear being attacked in the classroom,” he said.

The abduction has triggered protests by students, labour groups and civil society organisations, with demonstrators demanding urgent government intervention to secure the release of the victims who have remained in captivity since May 15.