By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has blamed Nigeria’s worsening insecurity on poor governance and widespread poverty. He made the remarks on Sunday during a sympathy visit to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in Ibadan over the abduction of more than 40 pupils and teachers in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of Oriire Local Government Area. Mohammed urged citizens to elect credible leaders, support security agencies and avoid aiding criminal elements while calling for stronger collaboration among security operatives.
Mohammed Visits Makinde Over Abducted Pupils
Mohammed visited Makinde alongside leaders of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) to express solidarity with the Oyo State Government and the affected families.
The delegation included APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, and the party’s governorship candidate in Bauchi State, Yakubu Adamu.
The governor described the month-long captivity of the abducted pupils and teachers as painful. He said Nigerians had continued to monitor the rescue efforts with concern.
“I am here with our leaders from the Allied People’s Movement to commiserate with our presidential candidate and the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, over the travails that the people and government of Oyo are going through as a result of the abduction of our schoolchildren and their teachers.
“It has been a lingering issue for some time, and we are sharing the grief with him. We are here to encourage him because the whole nation has noticed his efforts to secure their release.”
Security Crisis Reflects Governance Failures
Mohammed argued that insecurity stems from poor governance, poverty and difficult living conditions across the country.
According to him, solving the crisis requires responsible leadership and improved economic opportunities.
“The security situation is a manifestation of a lack of good governance, poverty and the challenges of life,” he said.
He also urged citizens to reject criminal activities and refuse to provide information or support to kidnappers and other offenders.
“People need to take their destinies into their own hands to ensure that they do not become informants or play along with criminal tendencies,” Mohammed added.
Calls for Better Leadership and Electoral Choices
The Bauchi governor stressed that Nigerians should elect leaders with integrity during future elections.
He noted that leadership remains central to addressing insecurity and improving governance.
“We don’t have to exonerate ourselves at any level of leadership. During the next election cycle, people should take their destinies into their own hands,” he said.
Mohammed described Makinde as a capable leader with the energy and determination to improve governance in Nigeria.
Stronger Security Collaboration Needed
The governor called for a review of Nigeria’s security architecture to strengthen coordination among security agencies.
He also advocated greater cooperation between security operatives and citizens to improve intelligence gathering and response.
Mohammed expressed confidence that the Oyo State Government would soon secure the release of the kidnapped pupils and teachers.
He also pledged to support every legitimate effort aimed at ensuring their freedom.
Makinde Receives APM Leaders
The Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Musibau Babatunde, Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, and Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Bayo Lawal, joined Governor Makinde in receiving the delegation.
The visit also gave Mohammed the opportunity to congratulate Makinde on his emergence as the Allied People’s Movement presidential candidate.
