Beyond the successful rescue of the abducted Oyo pupils and teachers, the incident exposed the political undercurrents surrounding President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde and the build-up to the 2027 elections. ISMAEEL UTHMAN writesTherescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State may have brought relief to their families, but it has done little to end the political controversy that trailed their 56-day captivity.From allegations of sabotage and claims of political orchestration to questions over the relationship between Governor Seyi Makinde and President Bola Tinubu, the abduction became more than a security crisis. It evolved into another flashpoint in the growing political contest ahead of the 2027 general election.On May 15, terrorists believed to be members of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, popularly known as Ansaru, attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele, all in Oriire Local Government Area.The attackers killed the Assistant Headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, while an unidentified commercial motorcyclist was also caught in the crossfire and killed. Although initial reports put the number of abductees at 39 pupils and seven teachers, including Community Grammar School Principal, Rachael Alamu, the Nigerian Army later confirmed that 44 pupils and teachers were taken away.One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed a day later by the terrorists to discourage pursuing security operatives.The terrorists were also reported to have demanded the release of two Boko Haram commanders—Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri—in exchange for the captives. The Federal Government and the Oyo State Government, however, insisted they would not negotiate with terrorists, maintaining that the victims would be rescued through security operations.But the victims regained freedom on Friday as announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his verified X.The development, described as a big relief by Makinde, brought joy not only to the families of the victims but across the country.The joyful moment, however, assumed a political dimension. Earlier in the day, Makinde, seemingly unaware of ongoing rescue operations, had, in faraway Bauchi, declared that the attack occurred barely hours after he announced his intention to seek the presidency in 2027.“For seven years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following day, the children were abducted,” the governor had told his Bauchi host, Governor Bala Mohammed, during a visit.The time the news and video of Makinde’s address at the Bauchi Government House went viral on social media coincided with the formal announcement of the release of the victims by the Presidency.Although Makinde did not directly accuse anyone of orchestrating the attack, his remarks fuelled political debate over whether the kidnapping was merely coincidental or part of a broader political agenda.Earlier, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, disclosed that Makinde told him President Tinubu had not contacted him more than 50 days after the abduction.“But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” Obi wrote on his verified X handle after visiting the governor in Ibadan on July 5.Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had also accused Makinde of exploiting the incident to embarrass the President.“I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way—not saying totally—by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose said during an interview on Channels Television on June 1.Two days later, self-acclaimed Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, claimed politicians were sponsoring the kidnappers.“I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge Therescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State may have brought relief to their families, but it has done little to end the political controversy that trailed their 56-day captivity.From allegations of sabotage and claims of political orchestration to questions over the relationship between Governor Seyi Makinde and President Bola Tinubu, the abduction became more than a security crisis. It evolved into another flashpoint in the growing political contest ahead of the 2027 general election.On May 15, terrorists believed to be members of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, popularly known as Ansaru, attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele, all in Oriire Local Government Area.The attackers killed the Assistant Headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, while an unidentified commercial motorcyclist was also caught in the crossfire and killed. Although initial reports put the number of abductees at 39 pupils and seven teachers, including Community Grammar School Principal, Rachael Alamu, the Nigerian Army later confirmed that 44 pupils and teachers were taken away.One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed a day later by the terrorists to discourage pursuing security operatives.The terrorists were also reported to have demanded the release of two Boko Haram commanders—Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri—in exchange for the captives. The Federal Government and the Oyo State Government, however, insisted they would not negotiate with terrorists, maintaining that the victims would be rescued through security operations.But the victims regained freedom on Friday as announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his verified X.The development, described as a big relief by Makinde, brought joy not only to the families of the victims but across the country.The joyful moment, however, assumed a political dimension. Earlier in the day, Makinde, seemingly unaware of ongoing rescue operations, had, in faraway Bauchi, declared that the attack occurred barely hours after he announced his intention to seek the presidency in 2027.“For seven years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following day, the children were abducted,” the governor had told his Bauchi host, Governor Bala Mohammed, during a visit.The time the news and video of Makinde’s address at the Bauchi Government House went viral on social media coincided with the formal announcement of the release of the victims by the Presidency.Although Makinde did not directly accuse anyone of orchestrating the attack, his remarks fuelled political debate over whether the kidnapping was merely coincidental or part of a broader political agenda.Earlier, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, disclosed that Makinde told him President Tinubu had not contacted him more than 50 days after the abduction.“But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” Obi wrote on his verified X handle after visiting the governor in Ibadan on July 5.Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had also accused Makinde of exploiting the incident to embarrass the President.“I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way—not saying totally—by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose said during an interview on Channels Television on June 1.Two days later, self-acclaimed Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, claimed politicians were sponsoring the kidnappers.“I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge From allegations of sabotage and claims of political orchestration to questions over the relationship between Governor Seyi Makinde and President Bola Tinubu, the abduction became more than a security crisis. It evolved into another flashpoint in the growing political contest ahead of the 2027 general election.On May 15, terrorists believed to be members of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, popularly known as Ansaru, attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele, all in Oriire Local Government Area.The attackers killed the Assistant Headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, while an unidentified commercial motorcyclist was also caught in the crossfire and killed. Although initial reports put the number of abductees at 39 pupils and seven teachers, including Community Grammar School Principal, Rachael Alamu, the Nigerian Army later confirmed that 44 pupils and teachers were taken away.One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed a day later by the terrorists to discourage pursuing security operatives.The terrorists were also reported to have demanded the release of two Boko Haram commanders—Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri—in exchange for the captives. The Federal Government and the Oyo State Government, however, insisted they would not negotiate with terrorists, maintaining that the victims would be rescued through security operations.But the victims regained freedom on Friday as announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his verified X.The development, described as a big relief by Makinde, brought joy not only to the families of the victims but across the country.The joyful moment, however, assumed a political dimension. Earlier in the day, Makinde, seemingly unaware of ongoing rescue operations, had, in faraway Bauchi, declared that the attack occurred barely hours after he announced his intention to seek the presidency in 2027.“For seven years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following day, the children were abducted,” the governor had told his Bauchi host, Governor Bala Mohammed, during a visit.The time the news and video of Makinde’s address at the Bauchi Government House went viral on social media coincided with the formal announcement of the release of the victims by the Presidency.Although Makinde did not directly accuse anyone of orchestrating the attack, his remarks fuelled political debate over whether the kidnapping was merely coincidental or part of a broader political agenda.Earlier, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, disclosed that Makinde told him President Tinubu had not contacted him more than 50 days after the abduction.“But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” Obi wrote on his verified X handle after visiting the governor in Ibadan on July 5.Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had also accused Makinde of exploiting the incident to embarrass the President.“I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way—not saying totally—by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose said during an interview on Channels Television on June 1.Two days later, self-acclaimed Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, claimed politicians were sponsoring the kidnappers.“I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge On May 15, terrorists believed to be members of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, popularly known as Ansaru, attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele, all in Oriire Local Government Area.The attackers killed the Assistant Headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, while an unidentified commercial motorcyclist was also caught in the crossfire and killed. Although initial reports put the number of abductees at 39 pupils and seven teachers, including Community Grammar School Principal, Rachael Alamu, the Nigerian Army later confirmed that 44 pupils and teachers were taken away.One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed a day later by the terrorists to discourage pursuing security operatives.The terrorists were also reported to have demanded the release of two Boko Haram commanders—Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri—in exchange for the captives. The Federal Government and the Oyo State Government, however, insisted they would not negotiate with terrorists, maintaining that the victims would be rescued through security operations.But the victims regained freedom on Friday as announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his verified X.The development, described as a big relief by Makinde, brought joy not only to the families of the victims but across the country.The joyful moment, however, assumed a political dimension. Earlier in the day, Makinde, seemingly unaware of ongoing rescue operations, had, in faraway Bauchi, declared that the attack occurred barely hours after he announced his intention to seek the presidency in 2027.“For seven years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following day, the children were abducted,” the governor had told his Bauchi host, Governor Bala Mohammed, during a visit.The time the news and video of Makinde’s address at the Bauchi Government House went viral on social media coincided with the formal announcement of the release of the victims by the Presidency.Although Makinde did not directly accuse anyone of orchestrating the attack, his remarks fuelled political debate over whether the kidnapping was merely coincidental or part of a broader political agenda.Earlier, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, disclosed that Makinde told him President Tinubu had not contacted him more than 50 days after the abduction.“But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” Obi wrote on his verified X handle after visiting the governor in Ibadan on July 5.Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had also accused Makinde of exploiting the incident to embarrass the President.“I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way—not saying totally—by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose said during an interview on Channels Television on June 1.Two days later, self-acclaimed Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, claimed politicians were sponsoring the kidnappers.“I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge The attackers killed the Assistant Headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, while an unidentified commercial motorcyclist was also caught in the crossfire and killed. Although initial reports put the number of abductees at 39 pupils and seven teachers, including Community Grammar School Principal, Rachael Alamu, the Nigerian Army later confirmed that 44 pupils and teachers were taken away.One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed a day later by the terrorists to discourage pursuing security operatives.The terrorists were also reported to have demanded the release of two Boko Haram commanders—Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri—in exchange for the captives. The Federal Government and the Oyo State Government, however, insisted they would not negotiate with terrorists, maintaining that the victims would be rescued through security operations.But the victims regained freedom on Friday as announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his verified X.The development, described as a big relief by Makinde, brought joy not only to the families of the victims but across the country.The joyful moment, however, assumed a political dimension. Earlier in the day, Makinde, seemingly unaware of ongoing rescue operations, had, in faraway Bauchi, declared that the attack occurred barely hours after he announced his intention to seek the presidency in 2027.“For seven years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following day, the children were abducted,” the governor had told his Bauchi host, Governor Bala Mohammed, during a visit.The time the news and video of Makinde’s address at the Bauchi Government House went viral on social media coincided with the formal announcement of the release of the victims by the Presidency.Although Makinde did not directly accuse anyone of orchestrating the attack, his remarks fuelled political debate over whether the kidnapping was merely coincidental or part of a broader political agenda.Earlier, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, disclosed that Makinde told him President Tinubu had not contacted him more than 50 days after the abduction.“But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” Obi wrote on his verified X handle after visiting the governor in Ibadan on July 5.Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had also accused Makinde of exploiting the incident to embarrass the President.“I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way—not saying totally—by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose said during an interview on Channels Television on June 1.Two days later, self-acclaimed Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, claimed politicians were sponsoring the kidnappers.“I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed a day later by the terrorists to discourage pursuing security operatives.The terrorists were also reported to have demanded the release of two Boko Haram commanders—Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri—in exchange for the captives. The Federal Government and the Oyo State Government, however, insisted they would not negotiate with terrorists, maintaining that the victims would be rescued through security operations.But the victims regained freedom on Friday as announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his verified X.The development, described as a big relief by Makinde, brought joy not only to the families of the victims but across the country.The joyful moment, however, assumed a political dimension. Earlier in the day, Makinde, seemingly unaware of ongoing rescue operations, had, in faraway Bauchi, declared that the attack occurred barely hours after he announced his intention to seek the presidency in 2027.“For seven years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following day, the children were abducted,” the governor had told his Bauchi host, Governor Bala Mohammed, during a visit.The time the news and video of Makinde’s address at the Bauchi Government House went viral on social media coincided with the formal announcement of the release of the victims by the Presidency.Although Makinde did not directly accuse anyone of orchestrating the attack, his remarks fuelled political debate over whether the kidnapping was merely coincidental or part of a broader political agenda.Earlier, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, disclosed that Makinde told him President Tinubu had not contacted him more than 50 days after the abduction.“But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” Obi wrote on his verified X handle after visiting the governor in Ibadan on July 5.Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had also accused Makinde of exploiting the incident to embarrass the President.“I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way—not saying totally—by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose said during an interview on Channels Television on June 1.Two days later, self-acclaimed Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, claimed politicians were sponsoring the kidnappers.“I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge The terrorists were also reported to have demanded the release of two Boko Haram commanders—Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri—in exchange for the captives. The Federal Government and the Oyo State Government, however, insisted they would not negotiate with terrorists, maintaining that the victims would be rescued through security operations.But the victims regained freedom on Friday as announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his verified X.The development, described as a big relief by Makinde, brought joy not only to the families of the victims but across the country.The joyful moment, however, assumed a political dimension. Earlier in the day, Makinde, seemingly unaware of ongoing rescue operations, had, in faraway Bauchi, declared that the attack occurred barely hours after he announced his intention to seek the presidency in 2027.“For seven years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following day, the children were abducted,” the governor had told his Bauchi host, Governor Bala Mohammed, during a visit.The time the news and video of Makinde’s address at the Bauchi Government House went viral on social media coincided with the formal announcement of the release of the victims by the Presidency.Although Makinde did not directly accuse anyone of orchestrating the attack, his remarks fuelled political debate over whether the kidnapping was merely coincidental or part of a broader political agenda.Earlier, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, disclosed that Makinde told him President Tinubu had not contacted him more than 50 days after the abduction.“But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” Obi wrote on his verified X handle after visiting the governor in Ibadan on July 5.Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had also accused Makinde of exploiting the incident to embarrass the President.“I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way—not saying totally—by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose said during an interview on Channels Television on June 1.Two days later, self-acclaimed Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, claimed politicians were sponsoring the kidnappers.“I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge But the victims regained freedom on Friday as announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his verified X.The development, described as a big relief by Makinde, brought joy not only to the families of the victims but across the country.The joyful moment, however, assumed a political dimension. Earlier in the day, Makinde, seemingly unaware of ongoing rescue operations, had, in faraway Bauchi, declared that the attack occurred barely hours after he announced his intention to seek the presidency in 2027.“For seven years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following day, the children were abducted,” the governor had told his Bauchi host, Governor Bala Mohammed, during a visit.The time the news and video of Makinde’s address at the Bauchi Government House went viral on social media coincided with the formal announcement of the release of the victims by the Presidency.Although Makinde did not directly accuse anyone of orchestrating the attack, his remarks fuelled political debate over whether the kidnapping was merely coincidental or part of a broader political agenda.Earlier, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, disclosed that Makinde told him President Tinubu had not contacted him more than 50 days after the abduction.“But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” Obi wrote on his verified X handle after visiting the governor in Ibadan on July 5.Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had also accused Makinde of exploiting the incident to embarrass the President.“I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way—not saying totally—by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose said during an interview on Channels Television on June 1.Two days later, self-acclaimed Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, claimed politicians were sponsoring the kidnappers.“I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge The development, described as a big relief by Makinde, brought joy not only to the families of the victims but across the country.The joyful moment, however, assumed a political dimension. Earlier in the day, Makinde, seemingly unaware of ongoing rescue operations, had, in faraway Bauchi, declared that the attack occurred barely hours after he announced his intention to seek the presidency in 2027.“For seven years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following day, the children were abducted,” the governor had told his Bauchi host, Governor Bala Mohammed, during a visit.The time the news and video of Makinde’s address at the Bauchi Government House went viral on social media coincided with the formal announcement of the release of the victims by the Presidency.Although Makinde did not directly accuse anyone of orchestrating the attack, his remarks fuelled political debate over whether the kidnapping was merely coincidental or part of a broader political agenda.Earlier, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, disclosed that Makinde told him President Tinubu had not contacted him more than 50 days after the abduction.“But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” Obi wrote on his verified X handle after visiting the governor in Ibadan on July 5.Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had also accused Makinde of exploiting the incident to embarrass the President.“I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way—not saying totally—by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose said during an interview on Channels Television on June 1.Two days later, self-acclaimed Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, claimed politicians were sponsoring the kidnappers.“I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge The joyful moment, however, assumed a political dimension. Earlier in the day, Makinde, seemingly unaware of ongoing rescue operations, had, in faraway Bauchi, declared that the attack occurred barely hours after he announced his intention to seek the presidency in 2027.“For seven years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following day, the children were abducted,” the governor had told his Bauchi host, Governor Bala Mohammed, during a visit.The time the news and video of Makinde’s address at the Bauchi Government House went viral on social media coincided with the formal announcement of the release of the victims by the Presidency.Although Makinde did not directly accuse anyone of orchestrating the attack, his remarks fuelled political debate over whether the kidnapping was merely coincidental or part of a broader political agenda.Earlier, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, disclosed that Makinde told him President Tinubu had not contacted him more than 50 days after the abduction.“But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” Obi wrote on his verified X handle after visiting the governor in Ibadan on July 5.Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had also accused Makinde of exploiting the incident to embarrass the President.“I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way—not saying totally—by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose said during an interview on Channels Television on June 1.Two days later, self-acclaimed Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, claimed politicians were sponsoring the kidnappers.“I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “For seven years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following day, the children were abducted,” the governor had told his Bauchi host, Governor Bala Mohammed, during a visit.The time the news and video of Makinde’s address at the Bauchi Government House went viral on social media coincided with the formal announcement of the release of the victims by the Presidency.Although Makinde did not directly accuse anyone of orchestrating the attack, his remarks fuelled political debate over whether the kidnapping was merely coincidental or part of a broader political agenda.Earlier, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, disclosed that Makinde told him President Tinubu had not contacted him more than 50 days after the abduction.“But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” Obi wrote on his verified X handle after visiting the governor in Ibadan on July 5.Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had also accused Makinde of exploiting the incident to embarrass the President.“I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way—not saying totally—by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose said during an interview on Channels Television on June 1.Two days later, self-acclaimed Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, claimed politicians were sponsoring the kidnappers.“I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge The time the news and video of Makinde’s address at the Bauchi Government House went viral on social media coincided with the formal announcement of the release of the victims by the Presidency.Although Makinde did not directly accuse anyone of orchestrating the attack, his remarks fuelled political debate over whether the kidnapping was merely coincidental or part of a broader political agenda.Earlier, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, disclosed that Makinde told him President Tinubu had not contacted him more than 50 days after the abduction.“But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” Obi wrote on his verified X handle after visiting the governor in Ibadan on July 5.Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had also accused Makinde of exploiting the incident to embarrass the President.“I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way—not saying totally—by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose said during an interview on Channels Television on June 1.Two days later, self-acclaimed Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, claimed politicians were sponsoring the kidnappers.“I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge Although Makinde did not directly accuse anyone of orchestrating the attack, his remarks fuelled political debate over whether the kidnapping was merely coincidental or part of a broader political agenda.Earlier, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, disclosed that Makinde told him President Tinubu had not contacted him more than 50 days after the abduction.“But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” Obi wrote on his verified X handle after visiting the governor in Ibadan on July 5.Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had also accused Makinde of exploiting the incident to embarrass the President.“I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way—not saying totally—by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose said during an interview on Channels Television on June 1.Two days later, self-acclaimed Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, claimed politicians were sponsoring the kidnappers.“I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge Earlier, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, disclosed that Makinde told him President Tinubu had not contacted him more than 50 days after the abduction.“But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” Obi wrote on his verified X handle after visiting the governor in Ibadan on July 5.Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had also accused Makinde of exploiting the incident to embarrass the President.“I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way—not saying totally—by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose said during an interview on Channels Television on June 1.Two days later, self-acclaimed Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, claimed politicians were sponsoring the kidnappers.“I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” Obi wrote on his verified X handle after visiting the governor in Ibadan on July 5.Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had also accused Makinde of exploiting the incident to embarrass the President.“I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way—not saying totally—by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose said during an interview on Channels Television on June 1.Two days later, self-acclaimed Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, claimed politicians were sponsoring the kidnappers.“I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had also accused Makinde of exploiting the incident to embarrass the President.“I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way—not saying totally—by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose said during an interview on Channels Television on June 1.Two days later, self-acclaimed Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, claimed politicians were sponsoring the kidnappers.“I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way—not saying totally—by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose said during an interview on Channels Television on June 1.Two days later, self-acclaimed Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, claimed politicians were sponsoring the kidnappers.“I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge Two days later, self-acclaimed Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, claimed politicians were sponsoring the kidnappers.“I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “I know the politicians behind them… They are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said in a viral video, although he did not mention any names or provide evidence.Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge Questions over rescue operationBeyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge Beyond the political exchanges over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, another controversy emerged after the victims regained their freedom.A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge A credible security source toldSunday PUNCHthat the final phase of the rescue operation was coordinated by an intelligence agency, simply referred to as “the Service,” with the approval of President Tinubu.According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge According to the source, the governor was allegedly not briefed on the final operation before the victims were evacuated from the forest.“The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “The President was briefed on the operations and the next line of action on Thursday night. Thereafter, the victims were rescued and taken to Ibadan. The governor was not aware of the operation and must have seen the victims on social media,” the source said.AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge AlthoughSunday PUNCHcould not independently verify the claim, earlier inquiries by our correspondent on Friday while investigating reports of the withdrawal of troops from the Old Oyo National Park forest revealed apparent communication gaps between the military and the Oyo State Government.While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge While dismissing reports that troops had withdrawn from the forest, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, advised concerned residents to channel their complaints through community leaders to the state government, saying the state was monitoring military operations.“They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “They should channel their concerns to their community leaders to channel to the state government. I believe the state government is following up closely on our operations,” Onoja said.However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge However, the Oyo State Government denied having such information.“The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “The state government has no idea about it and we don’t have any comment on it,” the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, toldSunday PUNCH.The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge The differing accounts further fuelled speculation over the level of coordination between the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue operation.Related NewsWhy Tinubu retained Shettima as 2027 running mateNortherners to FG: Replicate Oyo rescue operation in Kaduna, Borno, Kwara2027: Kwara community insists on indigene for Reps ticketAPC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge APC dismisses political conspiracyReacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge Reacting to suggestions that the attack may have been politically motivated, a national official of the All Progressives Congress described the claim as illogical.The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge The party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, argued that the sophistication of the operation suggested months of planning.“We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “We shouldn’t be playing politics with security. Let’s be logical. Is Makinde saying that the abduction was organised in less than 24 hours after he declared his presidential ambition? Is the governor saying there were people already waiting to carry out the criminal act?“If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “If the abduction was political, why would the terrorists be killing people? As a layman, I can tell you those who carried out the abduction must have spent months on planning, surveillance and logistics. The incident is merely coincidental. It has nothing to do with politics.”Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge Former Lagos State APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, also criticised Makinde for focusing public attention on whether President Tinubu had called him instead of acknowledging the role played by the Federal Government and security agencies after the victims were rescued.“Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “Beyond the celebration lies a political question Makinde owes Nigerians an answer. Is he still waiting for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s phone call?” Oladejo asked.“At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “At the height of the unfortunate incident, Governor Makinde chose to shift national attention from the plight of the victims to what appeared to be his disappointment that the President had not personally called him.“One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “One would have expected that, following the successful rescue, Governor Makinde would publicly commend the President, the Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and every security agency involved in the operation. Such statesmanship would have elevated public discourse above partisan politics.“Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “Instead, Nigerians are left wondering whether the politics of perceived neglect was merely a convenient distraction.”PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge PDP sees political undertonesThe Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge The Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, insisted that developments before, during and after the abduction suggested there was more to the incident than a routine security breach.The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Michael Ogunsina, argued that Oyo had not experienced an abduction of such magnitude since Makinde assumed office.“In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “In the last seven and a half years, we have never had any occurrence of such a troubling incident. No abduction of such magnitude ever occurred. So, there must be some level of backing, and maybe the powers-that-be are behind them,” he said.Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge Ogunsina also faulted comments made by Fayose and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying they reinforced Makinde’s suspicion that politics had crept into the tragedy.“If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “If you look at the reckless statement of Fayose, and that of Wike on the abduction, they point to the fact that there is more to this matter than meets the eye. These are people working for the President. It looks like some individuals are trying to spoil Makinde’s name and score cheap political points, using the people as collateral.”He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge He also questioned what he described as the omission of Makinde’s role in official communication after the rescue.“If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “If you take a closer look at the video released by Bayo Onanuga, the principal among the victims was given a script to read. She did not acknowledge Governor Makinde’s efforts even though everyone knows the efforts of the governor and Oyo security outfits such as Amotekun.“I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “I also read the statement by the Army, and nowhere was the governor’s name mentioned. Playing politics with this matter is not only silly, it is also preposterous.”Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge Call for unityBut not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge But not everyone agreed with attempts to interpret the abduction through a political lens.The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge The spokesman for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, Seye Oyeleye, said the successful rescue demonstrated cooperation between both levels of government rather than rivalry.“We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “We congratulate the victims and our security operatives for their painstaking efforts. We were told that it took them nearly 40 days inside that forest, and some military officers lost their lives during the operation.“We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “We commend the leadership shown by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde. Both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government worked together on the rescue operation, and that made it easier to get the victims out alive.”He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge He added that the incident should strengthen regional collaboration against terrorism and banditry instead of deepening political divisions.“We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge “We must also commend South-West communities for saying no to terrorism and banditry. Going forward, we need, as a region, to fortify the South-West against banditry and terrorism. The creation of state police is one of many steps.”Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge Politics after tragedyAlthough the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge Although the rescue of the pupils and teachers ended one of Oyo State’s most traumatic security incidents in recent years, it did not end the political arguments surrounding it.Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge Makinde’s remarks linking the attack to his presidential ambition, Obi’s disclosure that Tinubu did not call the governor during the crisis, Fayose’s allegation that the incident was used to embarrass the President, have pointed out that the tragedy remains part of the country’s broader political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge For political observers, the episode illustrates how major security incidents become subjects of partisan contestation, with competing narratives often unfolding alongside efforts to address the underlying security challenge