“Our 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion—our largest ever—to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people,” Mr Tinubu stated.
He urged the state government to deploy operatives of the Amotekun Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to schools across the state.
“Only God can prevent unfortunate circumstances from befalling those children…. So we would all be praying that God will pacify the hearts of the abductors,” Soun of Ogbomoso said.
All private schools across Oyo state are expected closed on Friday in solidarity with calls for the prompt release of the kidnapped pupils and teachers.
“When government officials came, they brought rice and money, but the parents rejected it, insisting all they wanted was the safe rescue of their children,” said the village chief.
Mr Babalola stressed that schools must remain safe environments for teaching and learning.
Terrorists invaded the Ahoro-Esin-Ile and Yawota communities in the Oriire local council, kidnapping 39 pupils and seven staffers on May 15.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers staged a nationwide solidarity protest to condemn the killing of a teacher and demand the release of other staffers and pupils kidnapped in Oyo.
Dozens of Oriire schoolchildren and staffers were abducted by terrorists on May 15.
He said the situation had left many residents in fear and uncertainty.
