It has been over forty days since students were abducted from their school, yet the Oyo State Government appears more concerned about reopening schools than securing the safe return of the victims. This is not only disturbing; it is a tragic reflection of a government that has lost touch with its most basic responsibility—the protection of lives.
At a time when parents remain traumatised, families are living in agony, and the entire state should be united in demanding the immediate rescue of these children, Governor Seyi Makinde’s focus appears to be shifting towards restoring a sense of normalcy. But there can be no normalcy when children remain in captivity. There can be no return to business as usual when innocent lives hang in the balance.
The suggestion that schools should reopen while the victims are yet to regain their freedom sends a dangerous message: that society should move on, forget the victims, and accept the failure of government as an unfortunate reality. We reject such thinking.
A government that cannot guarantee security must at least demonstrate empathy and urgency. Unfortunately, what we are witnessing is a troubling lack of both. The duty of government does not end with press statements and assurances. It requires concrete action, relentless pressure on security agencies, and consistent engagement with affected families until every victim is safely reunited with their loved ones.
History is often unkind to leaders who fail at critical moments. The true test of leadership is not during celebrations or political campaigns but during periods of crisis. When citizens are afraid, when families are grieving, and when young people are endangered, leadership demands courage, compassion, and accountability.
Governor Makinde’s handling of this situation raises serious questions about his priorities. Rather than leading a determined campaign for the safe return of these students, the administration appears eager to turn the page and move on. Such an approach is unacceptable and deeply insensitive
The people of Oyo State deserve a government that places human lives above public relations. They deserve leaders who understand that every child in captivity is a painful reminder of an unfinished responsibility.
We will not move on. We will not be silent. We will continue to demand justice, accountability, and the immediate rescue of the abducted students. Their lives matter. Their families matter. And until they are safely returned, no responsible government should pretend that all is well.
A leader who becomes comfortable with the suffering of his people risks being remembered not for his achievements but for his failures. If Governor Makinde continues on this path, history may record him not as a leader who rose to the occasion, but as one who failed when it mattered most
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