As anxiety continues to mount over the abduction of teachers and pupils in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Community Engagement (South West), Moremi Ojudu, has paid a sympathy visit to their families in Ogbomosho, assuring them of support and solidarity.
Ojudu said the visit was aimed at identifying with the affected families and reassuring them that the government and the people of the South-West had not abandoned them during the painful ordeal.
Meeting with the distraught families, she expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of the victims and urged them not to lose hope.
According to her, she came not only as a representative of government but also as “a compassionate sister and daughter of the South-West” who shares in the grief and pain of the affected families.
Speaking during the visit, Ojudu stressed that true leadership is demonstrated through compassion and standing with people in their moments of distress.
“In moments like these, leadership is not defined by offices or titles, but by the willingness to sit with the hurting, listen to their cries, and remind them that their pain matters,” she said.
She acknowledged the emotional trauma and uncertainty being faced by the families, noting that while no words could completely erase their pain, genuine care and support could help strengthen their resolve.
Ojudu also emphasized the need for public office holders to remain connected to the people, especially during periods of crisis, adding that governance must always be rooted in humanity, empathy and service.
The presidential aide further called on Nigerians to continue praying for the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils.
“As we continue to pray for the safe return of every child and for comfort for every affected family, may we also be reminded that a nation grows stronger when its leaders are close enough to hear the cries of its people and compassionate enough to respond,” she added.
The visit was widely seen as a demonstration of solidarity with the affected families and a reflection of the need for responsive leadership in times of tragedy.
Families of the abducted victims expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a source of encouragement as they continue to hope and pray for the safe return of their loved ones.
