Seyi Makinde on Wednesday, said the state government is working with security agencies to secure the release of students and staff abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area and reunite them with their families.

He gave the assurance while speaking with journalists after receiving a Sallah visit from a delegation of the Muslim community led by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan.

The delegation, which included government officials and Islamic leaders, visited shortly after observing the Eid al-Adha prayers at the Eid ground in Agodi, Ibadan.

Speaking, the governor reiterated that the state has remained united despite political and ethnic differences, urging the people to remain so united, even as the election season commences soon.

He said the citizens and residents of the state cannot be divided on ethnic and religious grounds

The governor said, “The challenges that we have, especially in Oyo State, with our school children being kidnapped, we are working round the clock to ensure that the children are united with their families.

“So I also use this opportunity to say to those that are in despair right now, that God Almighty will meet them at their point of need.”

He said further, “Well, let me use this opportunity to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters, and standard in Oyo State and Nigeria happy Eid celebration, and I wish all of us many, many more of it in the land of the living, particularly as we are moving towards political season.

“For us in Oyo State, we are very liberal and tolerant people. So it’s difficult to use ethnicity or religion to divide us. Even as we move towards this political season, government will come and go, but our State and our country remain.

“Even when we disagree with ourselves, it’s a temporary thing. In another seven-eight months, the president-elect would have emerged, governors-elect would have emerged. And whoever emerges, we will have to work together in the interest of our state and our country with such individuals and set of people. So I want to use this opportunity to wish us again happy Eid celebration.” (The Nation)

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