Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the state government would strengthen security around communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park following the safe return of pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

In a statewide broadcast after the release of the abductees, the governor expressed gratitude for their safe return but said the state remained in mourning over those who lost their lives during the incident.

Makinde described the reunion of the victims with their families as “a moment of thanksgiving” after weeks of fear, uncertainty and anxiety.

“Today, our hearts are filled with immense relief as the children and teachers abducted from the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area have finally been reunited with their families.

“For every parent who endured weeks of uncertainty, every child who lived through this traumatic experience, and every citizen who prayed and hoped for their safe return, this is indeed a moment of thanksgiving,” he said.

The governor, however, paid tribute to those who died during the abduction and rescue efforts, describing their sacrifices as unforgettable.

He identified the deceased teachers as Mr. Joel Adesiyan, who was killed on the day of the abduction within the school premises, and Deacon John Olaleye, who died while in captivity.

Makinde also recalled the killing of another teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, whose murder, he said, shocked many Nigerians after a disturbing video of the incident surfaced online.

He further honoured security personnel, hunters and members of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps who lost their lives during rescue operations. They include Lieutenant F. A. Isaac, Mr. Adigun Saibu, Mr. Isa Saliu, Mr. Rafiu Ayuba and an unnamed soldier.

“We will never forget security personnel, hunters and members of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty,” he said, praying for the repose of their souls and strength for their families.

The governor also wished Mr. Bamidele Paul, who sustained serious injuries during the operation, a speedy recovery.

Makinde thanked residents of the state for their patience and cooperation throughout the period of the crisis, especially communities affected by security restrictions and curfews imposed to facilitate rescue operations.

He warned that despite the successful rescue, criminal groups still posed a threat and urged residents not to lower their guard.

“The threat posed by criminal elements has not disappeared. Experience from other parts of our country has shown that terrorist and bandit groups often seek to strike again where they perceive vulnerability. We must therefore not allow this moment of relief to become a moment of complacency,” he said.

The governor urged citizens to promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies and encouraged residents to make use of the state’s toll-free emergency line, 615, for security and other emergencies.

As part of measures to prevent future attacks, Makinde announced that the state government would immediately tighten surveillance around all access routes linking communities to the Old Oyo National Park.

He explained that although the park falls under the constitutional control of the Federal Government, the state has a responsibility to protect residents living around the area.

According to him, the government will regulate movement through adjoining corridors, improve community intelligence gathering, deepen collaboration with security agencies and local communities, and introduce operational protocols to prevent criminal groups from using border communities as hideouts or transit routes.

He added that detailed implementation guidelines for the new measures would be announced soon.

The governor also called for an independent international investigation into the abduction, saying the incident was serious enough to warrant scrutiny beyond domestic institutions.

“I therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, call on the appropriate international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution,” he said.

Makinde stressed that the call was not intended to undermine Nigerian institutions but to reinforce public confidence by ensuring that the truth is established and anyone found culpable is held accountable.

He noted that under the Constitution, responsibility for national security rests with the Federal Government and its security agencies, adding that Nigerians deserve a transparent account of the incident.

“The Nigerian people deserve a full and transparent account of what happened, who was responsible, whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion at any level, and what measures must now be taken to ensure that no community is ever subjected to such an ordeal again,” the governor stated.

Describing the issue as one of justice rather than politics, Makinde assured parents across Oyo State that his administration would continue to take all lawful steps to make schools and communities safer.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture and supporting every lawful effort aimed at bringing those responsible for the tragedy to justice. (Nigerian Tribune)

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