PDP leaders visit Makinde over abduction of students, teachers in Oyo

Crime Diary, Politics

IBADAN, Nigeria (NPA) — Members of the Interim National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have visited Governor Seyi Makinde to commiserate with the government and people of Oyo State over the abduction of school pupils, students, and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The delegation was led by Dr Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, alongside the Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara.

According to the Oyo State Police Command, the attack occurred in the early hours of Friday, May 15, 2027, when armed assailants riding motorcycles invaded schools and nearby communities within Oriire Local Government Area.

A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the attackers simultaneously stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School and L.A Primary School, Esiele.

The police disclosed that several pupils, students, and staff members were abducted during the coordinated attacks, including the Vice Principal, Mrs Alamu Folawe.

The command also confirmed that an Assistant Headmaster, identified as Mr Adesiyan, was killed by the gunmen during the incident.

Reacting to the visit by PDP leaders, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the party delegation for standing with the state during what he described as a difficult period.

“Grateful to the members of the Interim National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Dr Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, who visited us to commiserate with us over the kidnapping incident in Oriire LGA,” the governor said.

Makinde assured residents that the state government and security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the safe return of the abducted children and teachers.

He added that the government would provide updates in the coming days regarding ongoing efforts and the current situation surrounding negotiations with the kidnappers.

“In this period of heightened tensions, citizens should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities by calling the citizens enquiry number, 615, free of charge,” the governor stated.

Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, led security operatives and heads of other security agencies to the affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment and operational coordination.

The incident has sparked fear and tension across the affected communities, with residents expressing concerns over the rising insecurity and attacks on schools in the area.