TINUBU NEVER CALLED ME DURING OYO KIDNAPPING CRISIS — MAKINDE
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu neither called him nor returned his calls during the 56-day captivity of pupils and teachers abducted in the state.
Makinde made the disclosure in an exclusive interview with ARISE News on Friday, November 13, 2026, while discussing his relationship with the President and the Federal Government’s response to the abduction.
The governor said he had attempted to reach Tinubu after gunmen abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.
According to Makinde, he expected the President to show concern and contact him because the incident involved the safety of schoolchildren and teachers.
“I tried to see the President when our students and our children and their teachers were kidnapped, because I thought if any part of Nigeria is going through such a challenge, the President should be interested. Actually, I expected the President to call me,” he said.
When asked whether Tinubu eventually contacted him, Makinde replied: “He did not. No. Till tomorrow.”
He also disclosed that he attempted to reach the President through the State Chief of Protocol but did not get a response.
Makinde further stated that he had not spoken directly with Tinubu about anything, adding that he was focused on governing Oyo State and was not complaining about the situation.
The governor suggested that the distance between them might be connected to speculation that he could contest against Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, although he admitted he could only guess at the reason.
The abduction took place on May 15, when gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area and took 46 pupils and teachers. After 56 days, 44 victims regained their freedom, while two teachers died during the ordeal, according to the Oyo State Government.
The Nigerian Army announced the rescue of the victims on July 10 following a security operation involving multiple agencies.
Makinde’s latest comments have renewed attention on the relationship between the Oyo governor and the President, particularly over communication between federal and state authorities during major security emergencies.
The governor has also called for stronger security arrangements, including state police, and has insisted that the circumstances surrounding the abduction must be thoroughly investigated to prevent a recurrence.
