Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, assured that the state government is working in collaboration with security agencies to secure the release of students and staff abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Makinde said efforts were ongoing round the clock to ensure the safe return of the victims and their reunion with their families.

The governor gave the assurance while speaking with journalists after receiving a Sallah delegation from the Muslim community, led by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan.
The delegation, which comprised top government officials and Islamic leaders, had earlier observed Eid al-Adha prayers at the Agodi Eid ground, Ibadan.

Makinde, while speaking, also used the occasion to reaffirm the unity and peaceful coexistence of residents of the state, urging citizens to sustain the bond of togetherness as the political season approaches.
He said Oyo State residents could not be divided along ethnic or religious lines, noting that such divisions had never defined the state’s identity.

“The challenges that we have, especially in Oyo State, with our school children being kidnapped, we are working round the clock to ensure that the children are reunited with their families,” the governor said.
“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.”

Makinde further congratulated Muslim faithful on the Eid-el-Adha celebration, praying for many more years of peaceful celebrations in the state and the country at large.

“Let me use this opportunity to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in Oyo State and Nigeria a happy Eid celebration, and I wish all of us many more of it in the land of the living, particularly as we are moving towards the political season,” he said.

He stressed that politics should not erode the existing unity in the state, adding that government is transient while the state and nation remain permanent.

“For us in Oyo State, we are very liberal and tolerant people. It is difficult to use ethnicity or religion to divide us,” he said.

“Even as we move towards this political season, government will come and go, but our state and our country remain. Even when we disagree, it is temporary. In another seven to eight months, a president-elect and governors-elect will emerge, and whoever emerges, we will all work together in the interest of our state and country.”
The governor reiterated his call for peace, unity and understanding among citizens, wishing all residents a peaceful Eid celebration.