Because You Want to Be President, You Hid Our Children — Pro-Tinubu Protesters Accuse Makinde

A group of supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday staged a protest in Abuja, accusing Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, of allegedly politicising the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

ADVERTISE HERE:
[email protected]

The protesters, who gathered in the Federal Capital Territory carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs in support of President Tinubu, alleged that some political actors were attempting to exploit the security situation in Oyo State to advance personal political interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.

During the demonstration, one of the protesters accused Governor Makinde of being more concerned about his alleged presidential ambition than the plight of the abducted children.

“Enough is enough. Allow President Tinubu to work. Because you want to become President, you hid our children. Allow President Tinubu to work,” the protester declared.

The group further claimed that efforts by the Federal Government to address insecurity and secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers were being undermined by political interests.

The protest comes amid growing concern over the fate of dozens of pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that has triggered widespread outrage across Oyo State and beyond.

The kidnapping led to protests in Ogbomoso and other communities, while the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State declared an indefinite strike in response to the worsening security situation and the continued captivity of the victims.

The protesters urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s administration in its efforts to combat insecurity, insisting that national security should not be sacrificed on the altar of politics.

They also called on security agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure the safe return of the abducted children and teachers.

However, the protesters did not provide evidence to support their allegations against Governor Makinde.

The Oyo State Government has consistently maintained that it is working closely with security agencies to secure the release of the abducted victims and improve security across affected communities.

Governor Makinde has repeatedly assured residents and families of the abducted pupils and teachers that efforts are ongoing to ensure their safe rescue, while calling for patience and cooperation with security operatives.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official reaction from Governor Makinde or the Oyo State Government to the allegations raised by the protesters.

Meanwhile, residents, civil society organisations, and community leaders have continued to stress that the immediate priority should remain the safe rescue of the abducted children and teachers, rather than political exchanges over the unfortunate incident.