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Fayose Alleges Oyo Kidnap May Be Plot to Embarrass Tinubu

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Promise Odejide

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Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has alleged that the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State may have been orchestrated to embarrass President Bola Tinubu, a claim that has added a new dimension to the controversy surrounding the attack.

Fayose made the allegation on Monday during an interview on Channels Television, where he questioned the timing of events surrounding the kidnapping and the political activities of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

Fayose Questions Timing of Incident

According to Fayose, the circumstances surrounding the abduction raised suspicions about possible political motives aimed at discrediting the Tinubu administration.

He argued that Governor Makinde appeared more focused on political activities linked to his party’s nomination process before publicly engaging with the families of the victims.

“And I want to say to you in Oyo State, I have a strong belief, I may be wrong, that this sometimes can be orchestrated,” Fayose said.

“The Governor of Oyo State had his nomination, the nomination of his candidate in the face of this abduction. He did not take any action, no steps were taken. It was after all those nominations that he went to the family to visit them.”

Comparison With Jonathan Era

Fayose also claimed that the incident was being used in a manner similar to how insecurity became a major issue during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He maintained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had inherited significant challenges from previous administrations and was making efforts to address them.

“I can sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way, I’m not saying totally, by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” he added.

Background to the Abduction

Armed men riding motorcycles attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A Primary School in Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area, on May 15.

Police confirmed that an assistant headmaster, Mr Adesiyan, was killed during the attack. An okada rider was also reportedly shot dead after resisting attempts by the attackers to seize his motorcycle.

Governor Seyi Makinde later disclosed that 25 students and seven teachers were abducted, while one teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the attackers. Videos circulated online later showed that the teacher was beheaded.

Makinde’s Response

Makinde has repeatedly condemned the attack and said the state government was prepared to explore all lawful options to secure the release of the victims.

Addressing journalists in Ibadan, the governor said the government was willing to listen to the abductors’ demands if it would help secure the safe return of those in captivity.

He also announced the establishment of an operational situation room at the Oyo State Police Command headquarters to coordinate rescue efforts and provide verified information to the public.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.

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