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Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, on Sunday paid a solidarity and sympathy visit to Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, at his private residence in Ibadan, to commiserate with the government and people of Oyo State over the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.
The visit follows the May 15, 2026 attack in which terrorists invaded the Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele communities, killing one teacher and abducting over 45 pupils and teachers.
Accompanied by leaders of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), including National Chairman Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle and the party’s Bauchi State governorship candidate, Dr. Yakubu Adamu, Governor Mohammed expressed deep concern over the incident and praised Governor Makinde’s proactive efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted victims. He expressed optimism that the hostages would soon be reunited with their families.
“We are here to commiserate with our presidential candidate and the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, over the ordeal that the people and government of Oyo are going through,” Governor Mohammed stated. “It has been a lingering issue, and we are truly sharing in the grief. We join the government and people of Bauchi State in encouraging him to ensure these Nigerians are released.”
Governor Mohammed used the occasion to call for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, emphasizing the need for better coordination among security agencies and stronger collaboration with citizens. He attributed the rising insecurity partly to challenges of governance, poverty, and socio-economic pressures, while urging citizens to take greater responsibility and actively participate in electing credible leaders.
The Bauchi Governor also congratulated Governor Makinde on his emergence as the APM’s presidential candidate, describing him as “a young man with energy, determination and drive, who can do a lot to change the trajectory of leadership and good governance in Nigeria.”
Governor Makinde and top Oyo State officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, and Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal, received the delegation.
This visit underscores the strong bond of friendship and collaboration between the two governors and highlights the shared commitment to addressing national security challenges and advancing good governance.