The Oyo State Government has assured families of the abducted teachers and students that the abductees would soon join them hale and hearty, as the administration was making serious efforts to secure their release
Penpushing reports that Governor Seyi Makinde gave the assurance on Wednesday, while receiving the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, alongside other Muslim faithful at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan, during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
“The challenges that we have, especially in Oyo with our school children being kidnapped, we are working round the clock to ensure that the children are reunited with their families. So, I also use this opportunity to say to those that are in despair right now, that God Almighty will meet them at their point of need’, he said
Penpushing further reports that Makinde expressed sympathy with families affected by the incident and prayed for divine intervention for those going through difficult moments, and called for unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians as the country gradually moves towards another political season, saying that political differences should not divide the people.
The governor said the state remained a liberal and tolerant state where religion and ethnicity could not easily be used as tools of division, urging residents to place the interest of the state and the country above political sentiments.
“Well, let me use this opportunity to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters, and indeed everyone in Oyo and Nigeria, happy Eid celebration and I wish all of us many, many more of it in the land of the living.
“This is because we are moving towards a political season and for us in Oyo we are very liberal and tolerant people. So, it’s difficult to use ethnicity or religion to divide us.”
Penpushing also reports that Makinde stressed that political offices were temporary, while the collective interest of the state and the nation must remain paramount.
“Even as we move towards this political season, government will come and go but our state and our country remain. Even when we disagree with ourselves, it’s a temporary thing’, he stated.
“In another seven or eight months, president-elect would have emerged, governors-elect would have emerged. And whoever emerges, we will have to work together in the interest of our state and our country with such individuals and set of people.”
Penpushing reports that it would be recalled that scores of teachers and students were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, at about 9.30am, penultimate Friday.
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