Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has warned that this is not the time to play politics with insecurity.

Makinde made this declaration on Tuesday.

He spoke while receiving leaders and members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who staged a peaceful protest.

Our correspondent reports that the protesters were at the State Secretariat to protest against the recent abduction of 39 students and seven teachers from some communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Addressing the protesters, Makinde maintained that the incident is a national tragedy.

He then used the opportunity to warn against attempts to politicise the incident or trade blame.

Speaking further, Makinde also called on governments at all levels to work together to confront the current security challenges in the country.

He said the challenge goes beyond politics.

He added that the perpetrators have demonstrated a complete disregard for humanity.

Makinde further maintained that it is time for everyone to work together to overcome the challenge.

“I have had the opportunity to engage with the leadership of NANS, NUT and NLC. Let me say this clearly: this is a time of national distress. It is not the time to trade blame or play politics. I am personally distressed.

“We are not dealing with normal human beings. Just think briefly: how will somebody take a fellow human being and slaughter him? Is that somebody normal? So, these are not normal people. I can only appeal to you, the students, the workers and the teachers, to please have trust in your government. We are doing our best.”