Eid in Ibadan came with heavy hearts. As Muslim faithful gathered to pray, Governor Seyi Makinde promised families that his government is working round the clock to bring kidnapped teachers and pupils home.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has moved to calm the fears of families whose children and teachers were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, saying his administration is making serious efforts to secure their release, cbinews.tv reports.

Makinde gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal and other Muslim faithful at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan, during the Eid el Kabir celebration.

“The challenges that we have, especially in Oyo with our school children being kidnapped, we are working round the clock to ensure that the children are reunited with their families,” the governor said.

He expressed sympathy with the affected families and prayed for divine intervention for those going through difficult moments.

cbinews.tv reports that scores of teachers and students were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, on Friday morning around 9:30 a.m.

The governor also called for unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence as the country gradually moves towards another political season. He said political differences should not divide the people.

“Oyo remains a liberal and tolerant state where religion and ethnicity cannot easily be used as tools of division,” Makinde said.

He urged residents to put the interest of the state and the country above political sentiments, stressing that political offices are temporary while the collective interest must remain paramount.

Meanwhile, Muslim faithful turned out in large numbers at the Agodi Eid praying ground to observe Eid el Kabir prayers. The session began at about 9 a.m. and was led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, AbdulGaniyy Agbotomokekere.

He offered prayers for Allah’s mercy on the nation, stability in governance, and protection for citizens amid ongoing security concerns.

The congregation also prayed fervently for the safe return of those abducted in Ahoro Esiele, urging security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify rescue efforts and restore calm to affected communities.

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