Mohammed Visits Makinde, Urges Stronger Security Measures After Oriire Kidnappings
By Adewale Owoade
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has visited Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at his private residence in Ibadan to sympathise with the government and people of the state over the abduction of teachers and pupils in Yawota and Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
Mohammed, who was accompanied by leaders of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), including the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, and its Bauchi State governorship candidate, Dr. Yakubu Adamu, called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture to better guarantee the safety of citizens.
Speaking with journalists after the visit, the Bauchi governor commended Makinde’s efforts toward securing the safe release of the abducted teachers and pupils, expressing optimism that the victims would regain their freedom soon.
”I am here with our leaders from the Allied Peoples Movement to commiserate with Governor Seyi Makinde over the ordeal the people and government of Oyo State are facing as a result of the abduction of our schoolchildren and their teachers.
”It has been a lingering issue for some time, and we share in the grief of the people. We are here to encourage him and acknowledge the efforts he is making to ensure their release, which are being noticed across the country.
”On behalf of myself and the government and people of Bauchi State, we sympathise with him and urge him to continue his efforts until these Nigerians are safely released.”
The governor also expressed his readiness to support the Oyo State Government in any way possible to facilitate the victims’ early release.
Commenting on the broader security situation in the country, Mohammed stressed the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies and between security operatives and citizens.
According to him, Nigeria’s security framework requires critical scrutiny to foster greater commitment, coordination and effectiveness in tackling insecurity.
”I think the citizenry must rise to the occasion and take greater responsibility for their security. People should not serve as informants for criminal elements or aid criminal activities in any form,” he said.
He also emphasised the role of leadership in addressing insecurity, urging citizens to elect leaders capable of responding to the nation’s security challenges.
”We must all accept responsibility at every level of leadership—national, sub-national and local government. As we approach another election cycle, Nigerians should make informed choices and elect leaders who can address the challenges confronting the country,” Mohammed added. (NAN)
