Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde. Credit: Oyo State Government

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has appealed to residents and families of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area to remain calm and pray for their safe return, cautioning against protests at this critical moment.

Makinde made the appeal on Sunday during a thanksgiving service marking the 60th birthday and retirement of the outgoing Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, held at the Christ Apostolic Church, Ibadan.

He said security agencies were already on the trail of the abductors and assured that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the victims unharmed.

According to him, public demonstrations at this stage could worsen the situation by giving kidnappers the attention they seek.