Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has alleged that the Oyo State Government orchestrated the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in parts of the state as part of a plot to embarrass President Bola Tinubu.
Fayose made the allegation during a televised programme, where he questioned the response of the Oyo State Government to the incident and suggested that political considerations may have influenced its handling.
His comments followed the kidnapping of pupils and teachers by gunmen in some local government areas of Oyo State, an incident that attracted national attention and prompted intervention from the Federal Government.
Following the abduction, President Tinubu dispatched a delegation to the affected communities and assured residents that efforts were underway to secure the release of the victims.
Reacting to the development, Fayose argued that state governments bear primary responsibility for local security challenges and should not immediately shift blame to the Federal Government. He maintained that there are existing structures and resources at the state level to address security concerns.
The former governor further alleged that Governor Seyi Makinde did not respond promptly to the incident, claiming that political activities took precedence over immediate action to address the crisis.
Fayose said he believed the abduction may have been orchestrated to portray the Federal Government negatively, although he acknowledged that he could be wrong in his assessment.
The Oyo State Government has not publicly responded to the allegations.