Makinde Vows “No Stone Unturned” in Hunt for Abducted Oyo School Principal, Pupils

IBADAN — Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has issued a fierce vow to secure the safe release of a school principal, pupils, and several residents recently abducted by gunmen in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

​Comforting distraught relatives during a high-stakes town hall meeting at the open field of Ahoro Esiele LA Basic School, Governor Makinde declared that his administration is pushing “beyond every limit” to crash the kidnappers’ operations and bring the victims home.

​The Governor’s visit comes amid mounting tension in the locality following the brazen raid, which saw the capture of Mrs. Funmilayo Ojo—the principal of a local school—alongside her daughter-in-law, four grandchildren, and several others.

​A Leader’s Promise Amid Shared Grief

​Addressing a somber gathering of community leaders, residents, and the victims’ families, Governor Makinde admitted that official rhetoric could do little to dull the sharp sting of anxiety gripping the community. However, he insisted that behind-the-scenes operations have been relentless.

​”Words alone cannot ease the pain and anxiety you are experiencing, but we will leave no stone unturned,” Governor Makinde promised. “Since this tragic incident occurred, I have been presiding over security briefings twice daily. We are working hand-in-glove with all relevant security agencies to facilitate their safe return.”

​The Governor strongly condemned the kidnappers, labeling their actions as “cruel, unacceptable, and inhumane,” regardless of whatever grievances or financial demands they might hold.

​He also reminded the community of the immense sacrifices made by local law enforcement, disclosing that nearly 200 operatives of the Western Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, have paid the ultimate price while combating criminal elements across Oyo State.

​Heartbreaking Pleas from the Community

​The atmosphere turned deeply emotional as the families of the captives spoke out. Professor Wole Alamu, husband of the abducted principal, made a passionate, tearful appeal to the state government. With six members of his immediate family—his wife, daughter-in-law, and four grandchildren—currently in the trenches of the kidnappers’ den, Professor Alamu begged the Governor to fast-track the rescue mission.

​His pleas were echoed by Mr. Aliu Saidi, another resident whose relative was snatched during the attack. Both men implored the government to deploy every available resource before it is too late.

ADVERTISEMENT

​Following the public address, Governor Makinde retreated into a closed-door, private strategic session with the immediate families of the abducted teachers and pupils. While details of the briefing remain classified for operational security, government sources indicate that the session was used to outline specific, ongoing intelligence-led rescue maneuvers.

​Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and Amotekun corps, have reportedly intensified their combing of the vast forests stretching across the Oriire border elements, as the state races against time to bring the victims back alive.