Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State have assured safe return of abducted teachers and students from of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire Local Government Area of the State by gunmen.
He made the pledge while addressing stakeholders on Friday in response to a recent footage by one of the abducted female Secondary Principal’s appeal to him and President Bola Tinubu to adopt non kinetic approach handling the crisis that could lead to more casualties.
In a post on his social media handles, Makinde lamented the refusal by the federal government from allowing the South Western Security Network – Amotekun from bearing certain arms and ammunition.
I once again gave the assurance to parents whose children have been abducted and family members of the teachers that they will return safely. This is a very tough period for me personally and for our State.
He wrote: “I also talked about the fact that security is one of the major pillars of our administration. This is why we worked with other South West Governors to establish the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun as a stopgap measure in the absence of State police.
“The Houses of Assembly in all States in South West except Lagos State passed the law which led to the creation of Amotekun. And despite the fact that the Federal Government has not permitted Amotekun to be properly armed, they continue to support other security agencies to secure our States.
The Governor noted however that despite the challenges, the State government is determined to ensure the safe return of the hostages who have being in captivity over the past one month.
We pray they return safely