Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area occurred just hours after he declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during a meeting with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and leaders of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Bauchi, Makinde recalled that Oyo had not experienced such an incident throughout his seven years in office until the May 15 attack.
“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.
Hours after his remarks, the Presidency announced the successful rescue of all the abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity.
According to the Presidency, the victims were rescued during a joint operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, with eight suspected kidnappers arrested and several others neutralised.
The Presidency also stated that no ransom or prisoner exchange was made, despite the kidnappers’ demand for the release of one of their detained kingpins.
Following the rescue, Makinde described the development as “a big relief,” thanking President Bola Tinubu, the military, the DSS, the police and other security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ freedom.
President Tinubu also praised the security agencies for the operation and directed emergency agencies to provide medical care and other support for the rescued pupils and teachers.
Source: Presidency.
