Makinde assures of safe rescue of abducted teachers, pupils

•Cracks down on night okada operations, signs new security order

From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has signed Executive Order No. 002 of 2026 aimed at strengthening security, enforcing vehicle registration regulations and improving traffic management across the state. He has also assured that abducted teachers and pupils in the state would be rescued soon.

The governor also announced a statewide restriction on commercial motorcycle operations, banning activities between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.

Makinde signed the order on Friday, describing the move as necessary to address security challenges and ensure compliance with traffic and registration laws.

According to him, unregistered vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles are increasingly being used to commit crimes, making investigations difficult due to the absence of identifiable registration details.

He said the executive order provides a framework for strict enforcement of vehicle registration requirements and traffic laws, including sanctions against one-way driving and related offences.

Makinde disclosed that designated enforcement agencies have been empowered to arrest offenders and impound vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles found violating the order.

He linked the measure to recent insecurity, particularly the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area, who have remained in captivity for over 20 days.

“We are living through very trying times. For over 20 days, our teachers and pupils have remained in captivity in the hands of terrorists,” he said.

The governor assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the victims and urged the public not to mistake government silence for inaction. He appealed to residents to support security agencies with timely intelligence.

“Security is everybody’s responsibility. If you see something, say something, and authorities will do something,” he said. He also urged residents to use the toll-free emergency number 615.

Earlier, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, said relevant agencies, including Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), would enforce the order and submit periodic reports.