Husband, Grandmother Of Abducted Victims In Oyo Appeal To Makinde For Help

The husband of the abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro Esiele, Professor Wole Alamu, and an elderly woman, Mrs. Funmilayo Ojo, whose daughter-in-law and four grandchildren were kidnapped, have made an emotional appeal to the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts toward securing the release of their loved ones and other victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.

The two spoke during Governor Seyi Makinde’s visit to the affected community on Saturday, describing the incident as deeply traumatic and expressing anguish over the uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts and safety of the captives.

Professor Alamu, visibly emotional, said the situation had left him devastated, noting that the prolonged captivity of his wife and other abducted teachers and schoolchildren had become unbearable.

“It is very disheartening and depressing. I don’t know what to do,” he said repeatedly, capturing the distress faced by families of the victims.

His appeal came as Governor Makinde visited L.A. Basic School, Ahoro Esiele, to sympathise with affected families and reassure them of ongoing government efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

Mrs. Ojo, speaking in Yoruba, also made a heartfelt appeal, disclosing that four of her grandchildren and her daughter-in-law were among those abducted during the incident. She said the daughter-in-law, a teacher, had been seen in a viral video carrying a baby while in captivity.

“Please help us for God’s sake. Have mercy on us. Four of my grandchildren and my daughter-in-law are with the kidnappers,” she said tearfully.

“My daughter-in-law, who is a teacher, is the woman carrying a baby in the viral video. Please help us. Please rescue our children,” she added.

Her appeal has sparked widespread public sympathy, with many calling on authorities to intensify rescue operations and ensure the safe return of all abductees.

Governor Makinde, while addressing residents, assured that his administration would continue to deploy all available resources to secure the release of the victims, urging citizens to support security agencies and avoid politicising the incident.

He said the priority of government was the safe return of the abducted teachers and children, stressing that efforts must remain focused on rescue rather than assigning blame between tiers of government.

“Don’t cry. I have come here today because of you. You installed this government. I want to let you know that this government is responsible for you. By the grace of God and your cooperation, we will bring back our children and the teachers,” the governor said.

Makinde disclosed that he had been holding security meetings twice daily since the abduction occurred and was working closely with relevant agencies to ensure the victims were rescued safely.

He also acknowledged the sacrifices of security personnel, including members of the Western Security Network, Amotekun, some of whom had lost their lives in the course of combating insecurity in the state.

Describing the abduction of schoolchildren as particularly disturbing, the governor condemned the act as cruel and inhumane, regardless of any grievances held by the perpetrators.

Following the public engagement, Makinde held a closed-door meeting with families of the abducted pupils and teachers to provide updates on ongoing rescue efforts and further reassure them of government commitment.

The visit was attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, security chiefs and senior government officials, all of whom expressed solidarity with the affected families as efforts continued to secure the victims’ release.