Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday appealed for national unity in the wake of the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the incident should be treated as a collective challenge rather than an opportunity for political blame.

The governor spoke while receiving members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who staged a peaceful protest at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan over the abduction.

Makinde assured the protesters that security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the release of the victims, adding that both state and federal authorities were collaborating closely on rescue efforts.

“This is a period that calls for unity. It is not a time to trade accusations or engage in politics. What is important now is bringing our children and their teachers back home safely,” he said.

The governor, who spoke emotionally about the incident, recalled that his late father was a primary school teacher in a community close to where the attack occurred.

“My father taught in Awole Dada, not far from where this happened. When I think about it, I feel deeply touched because if such an incident had happened during his time, perhaps my own story would have been different,” he said.

According to him, insecurity remains a challenge that requires a united response from all levels of government and citizens.

“This is not the time to argue about who is responsible. Whether it is the federal, state or local government, what matters now is that we work together to overcome this challenge,” he stated.

Makinde described the kidnappers as ruthless individuals whose actions defy human reasoning.

“The kind of people we are dealing with are not acting like normal human beings. Anyone who can take another person’s life or inflict this kind of pain on innocent families cannot be described as normal,” he said.

He appealed to residents, workers, teachers and students to remain calm and continue to support security agencies as efforts to rescue the victims intensify.

“I want the people of Oyo State to trust that government is doing everything possible. We have not relented, and we will continue until these children and their teachers are safely reunited with their families,” the governor said.

Makinde disclosed that security personnel deployed by the Federal Government had remained actively involved in operations around the affected area.

“These officers have been working day and night. I have personally held several meetings with them daily as we review progress and explore every available lead,” he revealed.

The governor cautioned against statements or actions that could create division at a time when collective action is needed.

“We must not give those behind this crime the satisfaction of seeing us divided. Our strength lies in our unity and our determination to overcome this challenge together,” he said.

Expressing confidence in the ongoing efforts, Makinde assured families of the victims that government would not rest until the abductees were rescued.

“By the grace of God, our children and their teachers will return safely. That remains our commitment,” he declared.

He noted that insecurity poses a serious threat to education, healthcare and economic development.

“When people are afraid, everything suffers. Schools cannot function properly, businesses struggle, and development slows down. That is why we must confront this challenge decisively,” he added.

The governor also called for broader discussions on improving the state’s security system after the victims are rescued.

“When this matter is resolved, we must all come together to examine what more can be done to strengthen our security architecture and prevent future occurrences,” he said.

Earlier, Oyo State NUT Chairman, Comrade Fatai Hassan, expressed concern over the growing fears among teachers following the attack.

He said four schools were affected by the incident and disclosed that one teacher lost his life during the invasion.

“Thirty-nine students and seven teachers were reportedly abducted, while one of our members, Comrade Joel Adesanya, was killed during the attack,” Hassan said.

He urged the government to intensify efforts towards securing the release of those still in captivity.

“Our members are deeply worried. We cannot continue teaching under these conditions. We are calling for urgent action to ensure our colleagues and students regain their freedom,” he said.

The NUT chairman also demanded improved security around schools across the state.

“Our schools must be protected. Teachers and students should never have to live in fear of attacks or kidnappings,” he stated.

Hassan further disclosed that teachers would remain out of the classroom until the abducted victims were rescued.

“We have resolved that our members will stay away from work pending the release of those in captivity,” he added.

In his remarks, Oyo State NLC Chairman, Comrade Kayode Martins, described insecurity as a threat confronting every Nigerian.

“This incident goes beyond teachers and students. Every Nigerian is vulnerable, and that is why all of us must take it seriously,” he said.

Martins argued that the attack was aimed at disrupting the peace and stability for which Oyo State is known.

“Oyo State has enjoyed relative peace for years. We believe this attack is intended to challenge that peace, but we will not allow that to happen,” he stated.

He assured the government of organised labour’s support in efforts to rescue the victims.

“We are prepared to support every genuine effort aimed at bringing our people back safely,” he said.

The labour leader stressed that safeguarding lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of government.

“In any society, the protection of citizens must come first. We are appealing for urgent action because lives are involved,” Martins added.

Also addressing the gathering, NANS President, Comrade Babatunde Akinteye, said students across the country had mobilised in solidarity with the victims and their families.

“We have come from different parts of Nigeria to stand with our colleagues and demand their freedom,” he said.

Akinteye condemned the activities of kidnappers and terrorists, describing them as enemies of progress.

“These criminals are enemies of our nation and our future. We must unite to ensure that their activities are brought to an end,” he stated.

The student leader explained that NANS deliberately chose dialogue and advocacy instead of disruptive protests in order not to interfere with rescue efforts.

“We have the capacity to protest, but at this critical moment our focus is on ensuring the safe release of our students and teachers,” he said.

He called for stronger collaboration among federal, state and local governments in tackling insecurity.

“This challenge requires cooperation at every level. We must work together to ensure that our schools remain safe and that our people can return to their normal lives,” he said.

Akinteye pledged the support of Nigerian students for all lawful efforts aimed at rescuing the abductees and restoring confidence in the education sector.

“We stand ready to support every legitimate step that will bring our students and teachers back home safely,” he added.