“The Focus Remains On Bringing Our Children And Teachers Home Safely” — Presidency On Oyo Abduction

The Presidency has reaffirmed its commitment to securing the safe return of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying all efforts remain focused on bringing the victims home safely.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Communications, Engagement and New Media Strategy, Otega Ogra, disclosed this while reacting to Governor Seyi Makinde’s confirmation of sustained federal involvement in the response to the incident.

According to Ogra, the collaboration between the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, security agencies and local stakeholders was initiated on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu immediately after the abduction was reported.

“I welcome Governor Seyi Makinde’s confirmation, yesterday, of the sustained federal involvement and daily security coordination that has been underway since the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State,” he said.

Describing the rescue efforts as a coordinated national response, Ogra noted that the President had directed a collaborative approach from the outset, bringing together all relevant stakeholders toward a common objective.

“This is the collaborative approach President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed from the outset, bringing together federal and state authorities, security agencies, and local stakeholders towards one overriding objective which is the safe return of every victim,” he further stated.

He stressed that despite ongoing security operations, the welfare of the abducted pupils and teachers remains the government’s foremost concern.

“The focus remains on bringing our children and teachers home safely and strengthening security across vulnerable communities,” Ogra insisted.

The presidential aide also reiterated the administration’s resolve to confront insecurity across the country, declaring that criminal elements must not be allowed to define Nigeria or undermine the nation’s peace and unity.

“Terrorism, banditry and criminality have no place in Nigeria. They do not represent who we are as a people,” he added.

Ogra further called on Nigerians to support security agencies through the timely reporting of suspicious activities, stressing that community participation remains critical to preventing crime and enhancing public safety.

“If you see something suspicious in your community, say something. Timely information saves lives, strengthens security, and helps protect the people we love,” the senior presidential aide urged.

His remarks come amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to secure the release of the abducted victims and reinforce security around vulnerable communities in Oyo State and other parts of the country.