“He Has Lost His Mind” — Oyo Govt Slams Fayose Over School Kidnapping Claims

The Oyo State Government has responded strongly to allegations made by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, over the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in the state, describing his comments as reckless, harmful, and capable of endangering lives.

Governor Seyi Makinde, through the state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said Fayose’s remarks were unfortunate at a time when security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the release of those still in captivity. According to Oyelade, the former governor’s comments have shocked many Nigerians and amounted to an attempt to politicise a deeply sensitive security issue.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Oyelade accused Fayose of displaying a troubling level of bitterness and hostility, adding that his remarks could undermine ongoing efforts by security operatives handling the kidnapping case. The statement read in part: “Nigerians are shocked by Fayose’s comment. He needs prayers. For a former governor to be so consumed by the politics of vindictiveness, vileness, deceit and hate, that he would further endanger the lives of those in captivity and distract security agents from handling this delicate job, smacks of one who has lost his mind.”

“Governor Makinde is too preoccupied with finding a solution to the challenges posed by the kidnappers of children and teachers in the state to engage someone whose lifestyle and comportment have been suspect over a long time,” the commissioner added. The Oyo State Government maintained that its attention remains focused on addressing the security situation and ensuring the safe return of all victims. It urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting the efforts of security agencies. Oyelade also recalled previous comments allegedly made by Fayose against the Oyo governor, suggesting that the former Ekiti governor had repeatedly sought to drag Governor Makinde into political controversies.

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The latest exchange follows comments made by Fayose during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday. During the interview, the former governor criticised Governor Makinde’s handling of the kidnapping incident and suggested that the abduction may have been politically motivated. Fayose further alleged, without presenting evidence, that the incident could have been orchestrated to embarrass President Bola Tinubu, a claim that has since generated reactions from political observers and government officials. “I sometimes believe that the abduction at Oyo School was orchestrated by the Oyo State Government to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose was quoted as saying. He also accused Governor Makinde of failing to respond promptly to the incident, claiming that the governor prioritised political activities over the crisis. “The governor of Oyo State had his nomination and that of his candidates in the face of this abduction. He did not take any action, no steps were taken. It was after those nominations that he went to the families to visit them,” Fayose said.

The abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area has sparked concern across Oyo State, with many residents calling for stronger security measures to tackle the growing threat of kidnappings. The attack, which occurred on May 15, 2026, saw armed men raid Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in a coordinated operation that sent shockwaves across the state. Approximately 46 pupils and teachers were abducted, including a two-year-old pupil and a school principal. Tragically, there have been reports that one of the abducted teachers was killed in captivity.

In response to the crisis, President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government and deployed a specialised rescue team to the affected communities. The President also dispatched a high-powered delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, which included the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa. Addressing residents of the affected Esiele and Yawota communities, Gbajabiamila assured them that the President was “deeply troubled” by the incident and that the rescue operation would be “intelligence-led,” deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims. The delegation also promised to forward a request for a military base in the area to the President for consideration.

Governor Makinde has also appealed to Nigerians to stop apportioning blame over the abduction, urging instead that citizens support government efforts to ensure the safe and speedy release of the victims. Addressing protesters comprising members of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) , the National Union of Teachers (NUT) , and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ibadan, the governor disclosed that federal security operatives had been in the state for the past two weeks and that he meets with them at least three times daily to review rescue efforts. “This is not the time to trade blames,” Makinde said. “It is time to unite, to confront the challenges that we have and to bring back those children and their teachers.” The abduction has now entered its third week, with the whereabouts of the victims still unknown, leaving families trapped between hope and uncertainty as security agencies race to secure their freedom.

The exchange between Makinde and Fayose has generated heated debates on social media, with Nigerians divided over the former governor’s allegations. Some have questioned the timing of the abduction, which coincided with heightened political activity in the state, while others have dismissed Fayose’s claims as politically motivated and lacking evidence. Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government insists that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the victims and restore confidence in the state’s security architecture.

“He Has Lost His Mind” — Oyo Govt Slams Fayose Over School Kidnapping Claims

Fayose Links Wike to Oyo School Kidnapping Crisis, Faces Rebuttal from Aide

Isaac Fayose, a prominent businessman and political commentator, has ignited a fresh firestorm by calling for an immediate investigation into comments allegedly made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Fayose accused Wike of making a disturbing threat against Oyo State months before the abduction. He urged Nigeria’s security agencies – including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) – to question the former Rivers State governor and clear public doubts.

Fayose recalled a previous political disagreement between Wike and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, during which the FCT minister allegedly declared: “I will put fire in Gov Seyi Makinde’s Oyo State.” According to Fayose, the timing of the kidnapping – which occurred the same week Makinde was reportedly set to announce his presidential ambitions – is deeply suspicious.

“The incident happened around a period of heightened political activity, including discussions about Governor Makinde’s succession plans. Wike’s remarks and the timing of this abduction should not be ignored,” Fayose said in the video. He further claimed that after the kidnapping, Wike allegedly made additional comments mocking Governor Makinde, a development Fayose described as “disturbing.”

While stopping short of presenting any direct evidence linking Wike to the crime, Fayose insisted that the circumstantial case is strong enough for security intervention. “If our institutions are functioning effectively, the police and DSS would have invited Wike for questioning. The public deserves reassurance,” he argued.

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Fayose also dismissed counter-allegations from some political quarters suggesting that Governor Makinde could have orchestrated the kidnapping. He called such claims “unreasonable and insensitive,” given the gravity of the incident – which involved dozens of young pupils and teachers. He additionally referenced security challenges that plagued Rivers State during Wike’s tenure as governor, urging Nigerians to pay closer attention to statements made by influential public office holders.

The allegations have drawn a fierce response from Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to Wike on Public Communication and New Media. Olayinka dismissed Isaac Fayose’s claims with a personal attack, describing Fayose as a “weed smoker” and “drug abuser.” He advised the commentator to focus on his health and warned him to be mindful of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

In a separate statement addressing the broader Oyo security crisis, Olayinka charged Southwest governors – not Wike – with responsibility for regional insecurity. He cited former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose (Isaac’s brother) as having taken proactive security measures, contrasting this with current leaders whom he accused of “playing politics of emotion and sentiments.” Notably, neither Wike nor his official spokespersons have directly addressed the specific allegation that he threatened to “put fire” in Oyo State.

The Oyo school kidnapping occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men raided Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School – all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Scores of pupils and teachers were abducted in the coordinated attack.

In response to the crisis, President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State, ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue team, and sent a high-powered delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to the affected communities on May 30, 2026. Gbajabiamila assured residents that the President is “deeply troubled” and committed to securing the safe return of all victims. The delegation also promised to forward a request for a military base in the area to the President for consideration. The rescue operation, according to Gbajabiamila, will be “intelligence-led” and deploy “both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.”

The clash between Isaac Fayose and Wike’s camp has generated heated online debates, with supporters and critics of both politicians flooding social media platforms. Some users have called for a transparent investigation into the alleged threat, while others have dismissed Fayose’s claims as politically motivated.

Fayose Links Wike to Oyo School Kidnapping Crisis, Faces Rebuttal from Aide

False Bandit Attack Alert Triggers School Closures in Six Osun LGAs

The rumour of bandits’ invasion of some parts of Osun State, particularly Ikirun and Ila, on Tuesday led to a widespread panic across the state, forcing both public and private schools to abruptly shut down and driving both students and teachers home in fear. Communities across the state were thrown into serious panic upon receiving information that suspected bandits had allegedly dropped a threatening letter to one of the public schools in the area. What began as a single unverified report quickly escalated into a full-blown security scare, affecting thousands of students, parents, and teachers across multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The fear originated in Ikirun and rapidly spread to neighbouring communities including Obaagun, Iree, Eripa, Otan Ayegbaju in Boluwaduro Local Government Area, and Ila-Orangun in Ila Local Government Area. Some public and private schools in Ila, Odo Otin, Boripe, Ede, Osogbo and Olorunda Local Government Areas shut down before 11am following the rumour. Students from several schools were seen running out of premises in fear, with viral videos on social media showing the chaotic scenes. Affected schools included the Community Second Grammar School, Obaagun; NUD in Iree; Kidvarc in Iree; Baptist Day School, Iree; and schools in Eripa, Otan-Ayegbaju, Ila-Orangun, Osogbo and Owode Ede. At Sasa Area, Oke Baale, Osogbo, many parents stormed a public primary school to pick up their children as the rumour spread. A similar situation unfolded in Eweta Area, a community located along the Ikirun-Inisa Road, where many parents rushed to schools to collect their children before the official closing time. Some private schools in Osogbo reportedly began calling parents directly, asking them to come and retrieve their children as a precautionary measure.

Investigations into the incident revealed that the panic originated from the Ila Orangun axis early on Tuesday morning. According to security sources, some residents claimed that a schoolgirl had been abducted at Faaje village along Oyan Road in Ila Orangun. This unverified report quickly spread through Ila Local Government Area and the neighbouring Oyan community in Odo Otin Local Government Area, fuelling widespread fear across multiple communities. However, further checks by security agencies later discovered the claim was entirely false. The girl in question was reportedly found to have gone into hiding simply to avoid going to school that day. But by the time the truth emerged, the damage had already been done – the rumour had spread like wildfire across communities in Ila and Oyan, triggering a cascade of panic that shut down schools in at least six LGAs.

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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, swiftly responded to the situation, dismissing the rumoured bandit invasion as a “false alarm” and urging residents to remain calm. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor described the rumour as the handiwork of “evil opposition elements” seeking to plunge the state into chaos. “I task our people to go about their normal activities without fear. Our government has taken steps to secure our schools. The Ministry of Education and the relevant security agencies have worked out a security strategy that is being implemented,” Adeleke stated. The governor reiterated that parents and guardians should not panic, confirming that fact checks from border areas and across the state confirmed no case of kidnappings had occurred. He insisted that the alarm was false and deliberately orchestrated by opposition elements.

Governor Adeleke also used the opportunity to highlight his administration’s efforts to strengthen school security across the state. He disclosed that the state’s Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) , which were inherited in a “knocked down” condition from the previous administration, have been fully refurbished and are ready for deployment to deal with any security threats. “The Oyetola administration inherited the APCs from the Aregbesola administration. The last administration however left them to rot. My government has rehabilitated them and the public will soon witness a new security plan to strengthen the security of lives and properties in Osun State,” the governor noted. He warned against incitement to criminal conduct by evil elements, adding that the local intelligence network is actively monitoring border towns and identified hotspots. “No stone will be left unturned to guarantee the security of our schools, our pupils, residents, citizens and properties,” Adeleke added.

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The Osun State Police Command also weighed in on the incident, issuing a strong warning against the circulation of false and misleading reports alleging a bandit invasion. In a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Command described the reports as “unfounded, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic, fear, and tension” among law-abiding residents. The statement noted that “extensive intelligence gathering and security assessments conducted by the Command have not substantiated the claims being circulated” . CP Gotan warned individuals and groups involved in the deliberate creation, publication and dissemination of false security information to desist immediately. He stated that “the spread of unverified information undermines public confidence and poses a threat to public peace and security across the state” . The police advised residents to verify security-related information through official channels before sharing it, adding that anyone found spreading false information capable of causing public disorder would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law. The Command reassured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging them to remain calm, vigilant and continue their lawful activities without fear. It added that security agencies remained on alert, with covert operatives and Violent Crime Response personnel deployed across the state.

Meanwhile, the development has reignited calls from the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) for improved security in schools located in remote and border communities. Babalola Babatunde, Chairman of the NUT in Osun State, disclosed that the state Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, had called an emergency security meeting following discussions with the union. “Schools near forests and border communities are often far from urban centers, making them vulnerable targets for bandits and kidnappers. It shouldn’t be a crime to be a teacher,” Babatunde stated. The union has requested additional security personnel to be deployed to schools in border villages, including officers from the Department of State Services (DSS) , the police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) .

Following the kidnapping of some students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, Governor Adeleke had earlier ordered the immediate revitalisation of the Safe School Initiative in Osun. Adeleke said the revitalisation of the initiative was a proactive measure aimed at preventing any spillover effects of the incident in Oyo State into Osun. The governor also directed intensified intelligence gathering in rural and border communities and announced stronger collaboration between the Amotekun Corps and community peace organisations. The nationwide crisis stems from the abduction of about 39 students and seven teachers across three schools in Oriire LGA of Oyo State, which has prompted the NUT to direct all state chapters to hold solidarity rallies nationwide demanding the unconditional release of abducted teachers and learners.

False Bandit Attack Alert Triggers School Closures in Six Osun LGAs