Oyo Kidnap: Wike Pledges Ongoing Efforts To Rescue Victims

According to Ireporter Online, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed deep concern over the recent abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in Oyo State, assuring that security agencies are intensifying efforts to secure their safe release.

Wike gave the assurance on Tuesday while addressing protesting teachers and civil society organizations (CSOs) who gathered at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Secretariat in Abuja to demand urgent action over the kidnappings. He reaffirmed that the Federal Government remains fully committed to ensuring that all victims in captivity are rescued unharmed.

The minister noted that the security situation in the country remains a major concern, stressing that relevant security agencies are actively working to track and rescue the abducted victims. He also cautioned against politicising matters of insecurity, insisting that such challenges require collective national support rather than division or political interpretation.

His comments come amid growing tension in parts of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where fear and uncertainty have persisted following a reported coordinated attack on three schools in rural communities including Ahoro-Esin-Ile, Yawota, and Alawusa on May 15. Survivors and relatives of the victims continue to recount their traumatic experiences as calls for urgent rescue efforts intensify nationwide.

Wike further expressed confidence in the capacity of Nigeria’s security architecture to handle the situation, stating that efforts are ongoing under difficult circumstances to ensure the safe return of the abducted teachers and students. He maintained that no responsible government would deliberately allow its citizens to remain in captivity, adding that authorities are working round the clock to restore normalcy and public confidence.

He urged Nigerians to show unity in addressing insecurity, warning that attacks in any part of the country should be treated as a national concern affecting all citizens. According to him, security efforts are progressing within established operational frameworks, with significant strides already made toward securing the victims’ release.

Meanwhile, teachers and civil society groups have continued to call for stronger protection for schools and urgent intervention to prevent further attacks across vulnerable communities.