Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said President Bola Tinubu failed to contact him throughout the 56 days schoolchildren and their teachers from the state remained in captivity, despite his attempts to reach the President.
Makinde said he expected Tinubu to call or demonstrate concern over the abduction, which occurred in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The governor made this known during an interview with Arise Television on Friday while discussing his relationship with Tinubu, whom he supported during the 2023 presidential election.
Makinde said he attempted to meet the President after the abduction because he believed the situation required attention from the country’s leader.
“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.
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Asked whether Tinubu eventually contacted him, the governor replied, “He did not. No. Till tomorrow.”
He added that he also attempted to reach the President through the State Chief of Protocol but received no response to his call.
Makinde maintained that he had never spoken directly with Tinubu, stressing that his attention remained on governing Oyo State.
“I’m saying it again that till tomorrow I’ve not spoken directly with the President about anything. I’m just minding my own business, running Oyo State. And I’m not complaining,” he said.
The remarks come months after the abducted pupils and teachers regained their freedom following 56 days in captivity.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen reportedly attacked schools in the area. The Nigerian Army announced their rescue on July 10, following a security operation involving multiple agencies.