Makinde says no protest over Oyo kidnapping, but what about the 46 missing souls?

Governor Seyi Makinde has asked people not to protest over the abduction of 46 people from Orire Local Government Area in Oyo State. He said it could fuel the terrorists' ego and complicate rescue efforts. That was on 12 June, and today is 7 July. 25 days have passed. 25 days of anxiety for families whose children and teachers were taken from their school.

Makinde acknowledged the growing anxiety among families and communities. He described the situation as deeply concerning and declared his readiness to risk his own life. But words are cheap when 46 souls remain unaccounted for. The police began a massive manhunt on 15 May, yet here we are in July with no resolution.

I understand the governor's reasoning about protests possibly emboldening the kidnappers. But silence is not a strategy. When 46 people vanish from a community in Oyo State, and the response is a plea for calm without visible results, what message does that send to every parent sending their child to school tomorrow? We need less political caution and more operational urgency.