Oyo abduction: Diaspora group hails rescue efforts, backs security reforms

The Omituntun Initiative in the Diaspora has praised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for what it described as his decisive response to the abduction of students and teachers in Ogbomoso in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The group also expressed support for Executive Order 001 of 2026, recently signed by the governor, to strengthen the regulation and coordination of local security services and enhance the protection of lives and property.

In a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Ayotomiwa Adebayo, the group said Makinde demonstrated responsible leadership by prioritising public safety and taking proactive measures to address security concerns in the state.

It noted that it had been closely monitoring developments surrounding the abduction and commended the efforts of the state government, security agencies and other stakeholders working towards securing the release of the victims.

The group described the incident as deeply troubling and said it had generated concern among Nigerians both within the country and abroad.

Expressing solidarity with the affected families, schools and residents of Oyo State, the organisation said every effort must be made to ensure the safe return of the abducted students and teachers.

The diaspora group also commended the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies involved in the rescue operation, urging them to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the crime.

OID stressed that individuals involved in criminal activities, including sponsors and collaborators, should be brought to justice irrespective of their background or status.

The group warned that rising incidents of kidnapping, attacks on schools and other violent crimes continue to pose serious threats to national development and public confidence in security institutions.

It therefore called on the Federal Government to strengthen efforts to combat insecurity through improved intelligence gathering, enhanced collaboration among security agencies, increased funding for security operations and the deployment of modern technology.

“The protection of lives and property must remain a top priority of the government to ensure that the country is safe for all. Nigerians deserve to live and go about their daily activities without fear of terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality,” the statement said.

It further advocated the establishment of state police, improved border security and greater investment in technology-driven security solutions to tackle emerging threats across the country.

According to the group, addressing Nigeria’s security challenges requires collaboration among governments at all levels, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, community leaders and citizens.

“It is evident that these acts of banditry are placing immense pressure on the nation’s unity, peace and security. We urge all Nigerians to unite against banditry, which has become a common enemy and a grave threat to national stability,” the statement stated.

The organisation expressed optimism that ongoing rescue efforts would lead to the safe release of the abducted students and teachers and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, unity and sustainable development in Oyo State and across Nigeria.