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Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde, has commiserated with families of abducted pupils and teachers as Nigeria marks Eid-el-Kabir and National Children’s Day.
In a message posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Makinde said his thoughts were with families anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones, as well as security agencies working to restore safety in affected communities.
As we mark this year’s Eid and Children’s Day, our thoughts are with every family awaiting the return of their loved ones, and with security agencies working to keep our communities safe.
We are working to ensure the safe return of those who were kidnapped in Oriire LGA. May… pic.twitter.com/LulUlmggw4
— Seyi Makinde (@seyimakinde) May 27, 2026
He noted that the period of celebration had been overshadowed by the ongoing ordeal of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area.
Makinde said government efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the victims, assuring residents that steps were being taken to resolve the situation.
“As we mark this year’s Eid and Children’s Day, our thoughts are with every family awaiting the return of their loved ones, and with security agencies working to keep our communities safe,” he wrote.
“We are working to ensure the safe return of those who were kidnapped in Oriire LGA. May this holy season fill our State with peace,” he added.
He also extended prayers for peace in the state during the festive season.
The governor’s message comes nearly two weeks after suspected bandits attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government on May 15, abducting pupils and teachers. One teacher was killed during the raid, while another was later reportedly killed in captivity, heightening public concern over the incident.
According to reports, there have been emerging communication attempts between the abductors and government representatives, though official details remain unclear.
May 27, which marks Nigeria’s Children’s Day, coincided with the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations this year, a rare overlap that placed national focus on both reflection and festivity even as security concerns persisted in parts of the country.
