Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has urged calm over the Oyo kidnappings, appealing to residents and families of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area to remain patient, saying protests could disrupt efforts to secure their safe release.
Makinde made the appeal on Sunday during a thanksgiving service held to mark the 60th birthday and retirement of the outgoing Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, at Christ Apostolic Church, Ibadan.
Speaking on the Oyo kidnappings, Makinde said security agencies had intensified efforts to track the abductors and rescue the victims safely.
He warned that public protests could give kidnappers the attention they seek and worsen the situation.
“Our reality is that bandits and terrorists are at our doorstep. I want to encourage the family members of the kidnapped children and teachers,” he said.
“This is not the time for protests. Terrorists and bandits do not think like normal people. Protests at this stage may boost their ego. We are doing everything possible, and this is the time for us to work together instead of blaming one another,” he added.
Makinde also stressed the need for prayers and spiritual support.
“Only God can touch their hearts. We are making every effort to bring back our children and their teachers safely,” he said.
