When children become victims of insecurity, Nigerians expect answers, not political explanations. Governor Seyi Makinde, attempting to link the Oyo school abduction to the timing of his presidential declaration, has reopened concerns about how political leaders respond to national tragedies.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s comments linking the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State to his presidential ambition have drawn criticism from Nigerians who argue that security crises should not be reduced to political narratives.
Speaking during a visit to Bauchi State Governor after the rescue of pupils abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Makinde said the incident occurred shortly after he declared his intention to contest the presidency.
“For seven years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at 4 o’clock, and by 9am the following morning, the children were abducted,” he said.
The statement has raised questions over whether the governor was suggesting that the attack was politically motivated or connected to his presidential ambition. Critics argue that such comments risk shifting attention away from the victims and the broader security challenges facing the country.
