OUR CHILDREN ARE NOT BARGAINING CHIPS: GOVERNOR MAKINDE AND SECURITY AGENCIES MUST ACT NOW By Engr Adekunle Adebayo

OUR CHILDREN ARE NOT BARGAINING CHIPS: GOVERNOR MAKINDE AND SECURITY AGENCIES MUST ACT NOW By Engr Adekunle Adebayo The reported abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers in Oyo State has once again shaken the conscience of our people. It is a painful reminder that insecurity remains one of the greatest threats facing our communities, our schools, and our future. At a time when governments at all levels are encouraging parents to send their children to school, incidents like this create fear, uncertainty, and despair. No parent should have to wonder whether a child who leaves home for school in the morning will return safely. No teacher should have to fear becoming a victim simply for performing the noble duty of educating young minds. Today, families across Oyo State are gripped by anxiety. Mothers are crying. Fathers are praying. Communities are waiting for good news. Every passing hour deepens the emotional trauma being experienced by those whose loved ones remain in captivity. As a son of Oyo and a concerned citizen who believes strongly in the future of our state, I cannot remain silent while innocent children and dedicated teachers face such uncertainty. The safety of our children must never become negotiable. Their lives are precious, and their future is the future of Oyo State. This is why I call on Governor Seyi Makinde and all security agencies to treat this matter as an emergency requiring immediate and coordinated action. The safe rescue of the victims must be pursued with urgency, professionalism, and determination. Every available security resource should be mobilised. Intelligence gathering must be intensified. Coordination among security agencies must be strengthened. The victims must be brought home safely. Beyond the immediate rescue effort, Oyo State must confront a difficult question: How secure are our schools? The protection of schools cannot be left to chance. Government must review existing security arrangements around educational institutions, particularly those located in vulnerable and remote areas. School safety initiatives should be strengthened. Community intelligence networks should be improved. Security presence around educational facilities should be enhanced where necessary. The people of Oyo State deserve reassurance that decisive steps are being taken not only to rescue the victims but also to prevent future occurrences. This tragedy must not become another headline that fades from public attention after a few days. Every child has a right to education. Every teacher has a right to safety. Every parent has a right to peace of mind. Governor Makinde has often spoken about his commitment to the welfare and security of the people of Oyo State. This is a moment for leadership. This is a moment for action. This is a moment for results. I also call on community leaders, traditional rulers, religious institutions, civil society organisations, and all well-meaning citizens to support lawful efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims and improving security across our communities. The message from the people of Oyo State is simple and clear: Bring our children home. Bring our teachers home. Protect our schools. Restore confidence in our future. Until every victim is safely reunited with their family, Oyo State will continue to wait, hope, and demand action. The security of our children must remain a collective responsibility. Their future is our future, and we must do everything within our power to protect it. Engr Adekunle Adebayo is a public affairs commentator, community advocate, and concerned son of Oyo State who is passionate about education, security, and sustainable development.