IBADAN — Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has issued a formal appeal to the residents of Oyo State, particularly the families of the abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, to remain calm and focused on prayer as security agencies continue their rescue operations.

Governor’s Appeal for Restraint

Speaking on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at a thanksgiving service for the outgoing Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, the Governor cautioned against public protests, arguing that such actions may be counterproductive.

"This is not the time for protests. Terrorists and bandits do not think like normal people... Protests at this moment may only fuel their ego," the Governor stated.

Governor Makinde emphasized that security agencies are working tirelessly behind the scenes on a sensitive and ongoing operation. He reiterated that his administration is fully committed to the safe return of the victims and that all necessary resources are being deployed to coordinate with security commanders.

Current Security Climate

The Governor acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting that armed groups operating near communities pose a severe challenge. He underscored the need for unity and cautioned against politicizing the tragedy or engaging in blame games between different levels of government.

The Governor's appeal comes as tension remains high in the state. While social media has occasionally been flooded with unverified reports of the victims' release, both state authorities and security agencies have consistently maintained that these claims are false and that the victims who were abducted on May 15, 2026 remain in captivity.

Background on the Crisis

The abduction, which targeted three schools in the Oriire LGA, resulted in the kidnapping of numerous students and teachers. The situation has deeply affected the education sector, leading the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to declare an indefinite strike starting June 1, 2026, to protest the prevailing insecurity and demand safer learning environments.

As the situation remains fluid, the state government continues to prioritize a coordinated security response, urging the public to refrain from actions that could inadvertently jeopardize the safety of those still being held.