Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has appealed to Nigerians to refrain from apportioning blame over the growing security challenges in the country, stressing that the priority should be collective action against banditry, kidnapping and insurgency.

The governor made the appeal while addressing the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who staged a joint protest to the Governor’s Office over the recent wave of abductions in parts of the state.

Makinde disclosed that security operatives deployed by the Federal Government had been working in Oyo State for the past two weeks and that his administration had maintained constant engagement with them.
“Security operatives from the Federal Government have been in Oyo State for the past two weeks, and we have been meeting with them three to four times daily,” the governor said.

He maintained that the fight against insecurity requires collaboration among all stakeholders rather than accusations and finger-pointing.

“This is not the time to start apportioning blames. Now is the time to join voices and actions to face the security threats headlong and rid the country of banditry and insurgency,” he stated.

Expressing concern over the brutality of criminal elements, Makinde said the actions of bandits and kidnappers defy normal human reasoning.

“We are not dealing with normal human beings. How will somebody take a fellow human being and slaughter?” he queried.

The governor appealed to teachers, students and residents of the state to remain calm and support ongoing efforts to secure the release of abductees and restore safety across affected communities.

He assured the protesters that both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government were fully committed to addressing the security situation. Governor Makinde said authorities at both levels of government were “losing sleep” over the challenges posed by insecurity and would continue to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.

The protest by labour unions and students followed growing concerns over the abduction of pupils, teachers and other residents in parts of Oyo State, prompting renewed calls for stronger security measures and the safe return of all victims.