The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for the successful rescue of the 49 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the operation as a testament to responsive leadership and effective collaboration with security agencies.
The party congratulated the government and people of Oyo State on the safe return of the victims, saying the rescue was the outcome of sustained citizen engagement, consistent media advocacy and the proactive leadership demonstrated by the Makinde administration.
According to the party, Governor Makinde showed what responsible leadership entails by treating public criticism and expressions of concern not as an affront, but as a call to intensify efforts toward securing the victims’ freedom.
In a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Olusegun Adewara, the Kwara PDP said the successful rescue in Oyo was made possible because Governor Makinde made the crisis a top priority and worked closely with the federal government and security agencies until the victims regained their freedom.
The party, however, lamented that 176 residents of Woro community in Kwara State, abducted since February 3, 2026, remain in captivity, stressing that their continued ordeal requires similar urgency and commitment from the state government.
“The Kwara PDP commends the people of Oyo State and the South-West, the media, the Ratel Movement led by VeryDarkMan, and every private citizen who used their voice to keep the federal and Oyo State governments on their toes until those children were freed.
“The party observed that throughout the difficult period, Governor Makinde accepted public criticism and demands for greater action as part of the burden of leadership. Instead of treating concerned citizens as adversaries, he acknowledged their concerns, personally engaged with protesters, explained the efforts of the government and reassured them that every necessary step was being taken to secure the victims’ freedom,” the statement read.
The opposition party urged Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to emulate the approach adopted by his Oyo State counterpart by making the rescue of the abducted Woro residents and other kidnapping victims across the state an immediate priority.
It said the continued captivity of the victims underscores the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies, government officials and local communities to tackle insecurity and ensure the safe return of all those still being held by their abductors.
