Bala Mohammed visits Makinde over Oriire abduction, links insecurity to poverty
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, describing the country’s persistent insecurity as a reflection of deeper governance failures, widespread poverty, and weak coordination among security agencies and citizens.
Mohammed made the remarks on Sunday during a visit to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in Ibadan, where he expressed solidarity with the state over the recent abduction of teachers and pupils from Yawota and Esiele communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
Mohammed was accompanied by leaders of the Allied People’s Movement, including its National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, and the party’s governorship candidate in Bauchi State, Dr Yakubu Adamu, during the solidarity visit.
He sympathised with the Oyo State Government and assured that the abducted victims would regain their freedom, commending ongoing efforts aimed at securing their release and describing the incident as painful for both the state and the nation.
Speaking after the meeting, Mohammed said his visit was to personally commiserate with Makinde and encourage continued efforts toward rescuing the victims, noting that Nigerians across the country were closely following developments.
He further argued that insecurity in Nigeria is deeply tied to poverty, hardship, and governance gaps, insisting that no meaningful progress can be made without addressing socio-economic challenges and strengthening institutions.
The Bauchi governor also urged citizens to avoid aiding criminal networks, warning against acting as informants for kidnappers, while stressing the need for collective responsibility and improved leadership at all levels of government.
Mohammed also praised Makinde’s leadership qualities, describing him as a “visionary and energetic leader” capable of contributing significantly to improved governance in Nigeria, while pledging continued support for efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted victims.
