The African Action Congress (AAC) in Oyo State has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of prioritizing politics over security, following reports of a mass kidnapping in Oriire Local Government Area.
In a press statement issued on Sunday by the party’s state chairman, Kayode Babayomi David, the AAC said over 35 pupils were abducted after terrorists raided multiple schools in the area, including Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota Community Grammar School, Esiele, and L.A. Primary School. The party also claimed that two people died during the incident.
“This is the current state of Oyo, yet Makinde’s priority remains politics and how to install one of his puppets to cover up for him after squandering billions of Oyo State funds,” Babayomi said.
The AAC described the incident as the first mass kidnapping involving school pupils in Oyo State since its creation, saying insecurity had reached an alarming level.
“Farmers are now afraid to go to their farms, traders fear being kidnapped while travelling, students are no longer safe, and parents are living in constant fear over the safety of their children,” the statement read.
The party alleged that Makinde had “failed the good people of Oyo State” and maintained that his priority was “looting and squandering Oyo funds, while the lives and property of the people mean nothing to him.”
“Any government that fails to protect the lives of its people is a failed government, and such a party or character should never be allowed close to power again,” Babayomi added.
The AAC called on security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the kidnapped pupils and extended condolences to the families of victims. The party specifically mentioned Mr. Joel Adesiyan, Assistant Headmaster of L.A. Primary School, who it said died while trying to protect pupils, and an unnamed motorcycle rider who also died during the incident.
“We share your pain, our condolences goes to the family of Mr. Joel Adesiyan… and also to the innocent motorcycle rider who died during the incident. May their souls rest in peace,” the statement said.
The party urged residents to remain resolute, stating that the end of Makinde’s tenure would also mark the end of insecurity if the AAC takes power in 2027. It said the party, as a “socialist and people-oriented” platform, would prioritize the protection of lives and property.
“We urge the people of Oyo State, especially those in Oke-Ogun, to remain resolute, as help is on the way,” Babayomi said.
Governor Makinde had earlier on Sunday said his government was doing everything possible to rescue the abducted teachers and pupils and had adopted both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
He confirmed that seven teachers were abducted, one teacher was killed, and some security operatives were wounded after encountering IEDs during a rescue operation.
