Abductions: Bauchi Governor Mohammed Pays Solidarity Visit To Makinde In Ibadan

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, on Sunday received his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed, at his private residence in Ibadan, where discussions centred on the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in Yawota and Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Governor Bala Mohammed, who was accompanied by leaders of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), including the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, and its Bauchi State governorship candidate, Dr Yakubu Adamu, expressed solidarity with the Oyo State government and called for a comprehensive rejig of Nigeria’s security architecture to improve citizens’ safety.

He commended Governor Makinde’s efforts in responding to the crisis and expressed optimism that the abducted teachers and pupils would soon regain their freedom, noting that the nation was closely watching the situation.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Governor Mohammed said the visit was to commiserate with the Oyo State government over the incident and to encourage ongoing efforts to secure the release of the victims.

“It has been a lingering issue for some time, and we are really sharing with him the grief. We are here to encourage him that what he is doing to ensure their release is being noticed by the whole nation,” he said.

He added that the visit also reflected solidarity on behalf of the government and people of Bauchi State, while praising Makinde’s leadership and describing him as a “jolly good friend” with the capacity to contribute significantly to governance in Nigeria.

Governor Mohammed further stressed the need for a review of the country’s security structure, arguing that insecurity reflects broader governance challenges, poverty, and weak citizen engagement.

He urged Nigerians to take greater responsibility in safeguarding their communities and to ensure they do not aid criminal activities, while also calling for better leadership choices in future elections.

“The security situation is a manifestation of lack of good governance, poverty, and the challenges of life,” he said, adding that citizens must be more proactive in taking ownership of their safety and democratic choices.

Officials present at the meeting included the Oyo State Secretary to the Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, and Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal, among others.