Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde says security forces have intensified operations to rescue victims of Orile LG abductions.
Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde says one abducted teacher has been killed as security forces intensify operations to rescue victims
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Sunday said his government has been doing everything possible to rescue the seven teachers and a yet-to-be-ascertained number of pupils kidnapped in Ahoro Esinele Community of Oriire local government area of the state, on Friday.
The governor made the disclosure after holding a security review of the situation with his security advisers and service commanders.
Makinde, while speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, expressed his sympathy to the families of victims of the abduction, noting that from reports, seven teachers were abducted while the number of abducted pupils is yet to be ascertained.
He announced the killing of one of the teachers, expressing his condolences to the family of the victim, while he equally sympathised with the families of some members of the tactical team of soldiers, Amotekun Corps and Local Vigilantes, who ran into Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by the abductors during an effort to rescue the abducted teachers and students.
He stated that the wounded security personnel were responding positively to treatments and that the government would spare no cost in taking care of them.
Governor Makinde added that the government had resolved to explore the kinetic approach, which involves the use of military force and direct action as well as the non-kinetic approach, which is softer, in tackling the challenge, noting, however, that relatives of the abducted people, religious bodies and other interested parties would need to exercise patience as the government works round the clock to rescue the victims and reunite them safely with their families.
Governor Makinde explained further that as part of efforts already taken to rescue the victims, government mobilised tactical teams comprising policemen, Amotekun, soldiers, hunters and other non-state actors to go after the terrorists, but that there was a slight set back as one of the teams ran into IEDs.
He noted, however, that the government has achieved a level of success with the operation, with some individuals already arrested in connection with the situation.
Responding on how Oyo State is engaging with neighbouring states to curb the influx of terrorists into the state, the governor explained that the fact that there is pressure on terrorists and bandits in the North-West and North-East meant that they would move southwards, noting that since there is pressure on them from one side, the other side must work towards repelling or neutralising the threats.
