Makinde vowed that the government would exhaust every lawful means to secure the safe return of the victims, insisting that the state would not succumb to intimidation by criminal elements.

“We will not give in to terror. We will do everything possible to ensure that our children and their teachers are returned safely,” the governor said while addressing journalists in Ibadan after a high-level security meeting with service commanders and security advisers over Friday’s attack on Ahoro Esinle Community in Oriire Local Government Area.

The governor said his administration remained open to lawful engagement aimed at rescuing the abducted students and teachers, stressing that the lives of the victims remained paramount.

“So, whatever it is they demand, we are ready to listen to them and address the ones we can address as a state government. But the children and their teachers must be released immediately,” he stated.

Makinde described the security situation as “fluid and difficult,” noting that coordinated operations involving security agencies were ongoing to secure the release of those held captive.

He also appealed to residents to support government efforts by volunteering timely and credible intelligence to security operatives.

“If you see something strange, say something, and expect us to do something,” the governor urged.

Lamenting what he described as the erosion of communal vigilance and collective responsibility in the country, Makinde said the worsening insecurity reflected a disturbing societal decline.

“We once had a country where we were each other’s brother’s keeper. How did we descend to this point? These are not foreign people; it is us against ourselves,” he said, citing celebrated novelist, Chinua Achebe.

The governor also cautioned against sensational reporting of the incident, urging the media and members of the public to approach developments with responsibility and sensitivity.

“This is not something sensational. It involves lives,” he said.

The post ‘We Won’t Bow To Terror’, Makinde Declares As Gunmen Abduct Oyo Pupils, Teachers first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post ‘We Won’t Bow To Terror’, Makinde Declares As Gunmen Abduct Oyo Pupils, Teachers appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.