Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday sensationally alleged that the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area was done to scuttle his presidential ambition.
Makinde, speaking at meeting with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and leaders of the Allied Peoples Movement in Bauchi, said Oyo State had not experienced a similar school abduction throughout his seven years in office until the incident of May 15.
His statement came hours before the Presidency announced the successful rescue of all the abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity.
“For seven years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following morning, the children were abducted,” Makinde said.
Makinde, who is also the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) said he was partly in Bauchi as part of consultations to select a VP candidate.
He told Bala Mohammed he would have handled the security more differently were he the president.
“This is my very first job in the public space. And I have been on this job for several years and may be two months. The insecurity happened two months ago, May 15. So for several years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo state, ” he said.
Makinde also said it was unfair for anyone to expect him as State Governor to secure the release of the children.
“It is so unbelievable. When Chibok happened, it was the fault of President Jonathan. They went all over the world, and asked Jonathan to bring back the children. But (when) this happened, no, it is the irresponsibility of the state governor and the state government,” he said
Following the rescue, however, Makinde expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the military, the police, the DSS and other security agencies for securing the victims’ freedom.
Describing the development as “a big relief,” the governor said the rescue had brought an end to weeks of anxiety for the affected families and the people of Oyo State after the pupils and teachers were abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, has welcomed the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils, describing their release as a moment of great relief and thanksgiving for the entire education community in the state.
In a statement he personally signed on Friday, Adeniran gave glory to God for preserving the lives of the victims and making their reunion with their families possible after the traumatic ordeal.
He said the development had brought immense joy to families, colleagues, classmates and all those who stood in prayers and hope throughout the period of their captivity.
The OYOSUBEB chairman congratulated teachers, learners, parents, school administrators, education stakeholders and lovers of education across Oyo State, noting that their collective faith, resilience and unwavering hope had been rewarded with the good news of the victims’ release.
Adeniran also expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for their commitment and support throughout the rescue efforts.
He commended the security agencies for their professionalism, dedication and sacrifices, saying their courage and patriotism led to the successful rescue of the teachers and pupils.
The OYOSUBEB chairman further thanked religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, media practitioners and other well-meaning Nigerians for supporting the affected families through prayers, advocacy and encouragement during the difficult period.
While celebrating the safe return of the victims, Adeniran called for sustained prayers for lasting peace and security across the country.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of government and stakeholders to ensuring that schools remain safe environments for teaching and learning.
“Once again, welcome home, our beloved teachers and pupils. The entire Oyo State education family is delighted to have you back safely,” he said.
