I’m Bleeding, Like You, In My Heart, Makinde Addresses Families Of Victims Of Oyo Abduction 

By Rotela Oguns

Governor Seyi Makinde Of Oyo State has empathized with the families of the abducted students and teachers of Esinele and Yawota schools stressing that operations are ongoing to secure the victims’ release.

Makinde, however, expressed optimism that the victims will be rescued unscathed adding that  revealing more than necessary about the government’s efforts  may be counterproductive as it has, according to him, “security implications”.

The Oyo helmsman spoke during a visit to the Ahoro-esinele  and Yawota communities on Saturday to lift the spirits of the distressed family members of the abducted teachers and students.

“I want your cooperation. We’ll do everything humanly possible to get your children and their teachers back. And I give you the assurance that, by God’s grace, they will bring them out of the kidnappers’ den.”

He continued, ” There’s an ongoing rescue operation. It has security implications, so I can’t say much about it. I would rather encourage you. I know you are bleeding. I’m also bleeding in my heart. I will plead with you to intensify your prayers and trust in us”.

Recall that more than over 39 students, including teachers and a principal, of schools in Yawota and Esinele communities in Orire Local Government in Oyo State  were abducted by suspected bandits about two weeks ago.

One of the victims, Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher was beheaded by the bandits two days after the abduction.

Since then, the victims have been herded from one forest in Oyo State to the other.

On Friday, a new video, which has since become viral, surfaced where the abducted principal, Mrs Alamu, pleaded with President Bola Tinubu and Makinde to negotiate with their abductors instead of using force to secure their rescue.