In a message marking the dual celebration of Eid-el-Kabir and National Children’s Day, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed solidarity with the families of the school children and teachers currently held captive by bandits in the state.
It has been almost two weeks since terrorists raided three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state on May 15, abducting dozens of pupils, including toddlers, and teachers.
A teacher, Adesiyan Adegboye, was killed during the raid, and a Mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was also beheaded in captivity, igniting outrage and calls for the speedy rescue of those in the abductors’ den.
Taking to his official X handle on Wednesday morning, Makinde acknowledged the painful vacuum felt by the families during what should have been a day of family gatherings and childhood celebrations.
“As we mark this year’s Eid and Children’s Day, our thoughts are with every family awaiting the return of their loved ones, and with security agencies working to keep our communities safe,” he wrote.
Reassuring the state of his administration’s efforts to resolve the crisis, the governor added, “We are working to ensure the safe return of those who were kidnapped in Oriire LGA. May this holy season fill our State with peace.”
PUNCH reports that suspected terrorists who abducted schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Oriire LGA have opened communication channels with the state government on Saturday; however, it was not confirmed if the negotiation is being done by the governor himself or a representative of the state.
In Nigeria, May 27 is annually celebrated as Children’s Day, a day dedicated to honouring the nation’s children and advocating for their protection, education, and well-being.
By a rare calendar alignment, the date also coincided with the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, a major Islamic festival symbolising sacrifice and faith.
