Makinde faces backlash after visiting families of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo as victims remain in captivity nearly two weeks later

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has come under intense criticism on social media after sharing details of his visit to families of pupils and teachers abducted nearly two weeks ago in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Also read: Kidnapped school staff plead with Seyi Makinde for negotiation after 13 days

The governor disclosed in a post on X on Saturday that he had visited the Ahoro-Esiele community to sympathise with affected families and reassure them of ongoing efforts to secure the release of the victims.

According to Makinde, the state government remains committed to ensuring the safe return of those abducted during the attack.

“After listening to them, I gave them the assurance that we are doing everything humanly possible to ensure the safe return of those who were kidnapped, and that by the grace of God, they will be reunited with their loved ones very soon,” the governor wrote.

The post was accompanied by video footage showing Makinde addressing residents under a canopy, interacting with grieving relatives and speaking to members of the community in the presence of security personnel.

However, the governor’s message quickly triggered a wave of reactions online, with many users questioning the timing of the visit and expressing frustration over the continued captivity of the victims.

The Makinde Faces Backlash debate intensified as critics argued that the governor’s appearance in the community came nearly two weeks after the abduction and did little to address growing public concerns about the pace of rescue efforts.

Several commentators accused the administration of reacting slowly to the crisis and called for more decisive action to secure the release of the children and teachers.

Others raised concerns about security in Oyo State, which has traditionally been regarded as one of the more secure states in the South-West region.

Some social media users demanded tangible progress rather than assurances, while others urged authorities to explore all available options, including advanced surveillance technology and direct engagement strategies aimed at securing the victims’ release.

Despite the criticism, some residents and supporters defended the governor’s actions, praising him for personally visiting the community and showing empathy towards affected families.

A number of supporters pointed to moments captured in the video where Makinde offered comfort to grieving relatives, describing the gesture as evidence of compassion during a difficult period.

The abduction occurred around May 15 and 16 when heavily armed gunmen riding motorcycles attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele area of Oriire Local Government Area.

The affected schools included Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, and Yawota Baptist School.

Reports indicate that between 25 and 32 pupils, including very young children, alongside seven teachers, were kidnapped during the attacks.

One teacher was reportedly killed during the initial assault, while another was later said to have been beheaded while in captivity.

The incident drew national attention after videos emerged showing some of the hostages, including a school principal, appealing for government intervention.

The kidnappings have heightened concerns about rising insecurity in parts of the South-West and intensified calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and rural communities.

Although state and federal security agencies are continuing rescue operations, the abducted pupils and teachers remain in captivity as of the latest reports.

The incident has also reignited broader discussions about the responsibilities of state governments during security emergencies and the expectations placed on political leaders when children become victims of violent crimes.

Also read: Makinde criticises Tinubu over state police delay

Families of the abducted victims continue to appeal for urgent action, expressing hope that ongoing efforts will lead to the safe return of their loved ones.