The Aare Egbe Omo Balogun of Ibadanland, Oloye Adegboyega Toafeek Adegoke, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State,has said that this year’s Children’s Day celebration cannot be marked with joy and festivities in Oyo State as many families remain in pain over the recent kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area.
Adegoke stated that while children ordinarily deserve celebration, happiness, and hope on a special day dedicated to them, the heartbreaking reality of innocent pupils and other victims still being held in captivity makes it impossible to celebrate wholeheartedly. He said his thoughts and prayers remain with the affected families, particularly parents whose children are still in the bush, uncertain of their safety and return.
He commiserated with the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, the grieving families, and the entire people of the state, praying for the safe and immediate release of all those abducted. According to him, the sacred Eid-el-Kabir season should remind leaders and citizens alike of the values of compassion, sacrifice, and the protection of human life.
The ADC governorship candidate assured residents that security would remain a top priority under his administration if elected governor of Oyo State. He promised to strengthen community policing structures, improve intelligence gathering, support local security networks with modern communication and mobility tools, and collaborate closely with federal security agencies to secure schools, farms, roads, and rural communities across the state.
Adegoke further pledged to invest in technology-driven security systems, emergency response coordination, and youth engagement initiatives aimed at reducing crime and preventing insecurity. He urged residents to remain vigilant, united, and cooperative with security agencies in the collective effort to restore peace and safety across Oyo State and Nigeria.
