The abductions occurred during attacks on the Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinle on May 15. Acknowledging the pain and anxiety experienced by parents and relatives of the abductees, Makinde recognized that the prolonged wait has been difficult.

Makinde expressed understanding of the concerns within the affected communities, indicating that assurances from the government may not alleviate the worries of families awaiting the safe return of their loved ones.

The governor, however, maintained that security agencies are working round the clock to bring the victims home safely.

“Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees,” he said.

He explained that intelligence available to the government indicates that the victims are still within the wider Old Oyo National Park corridor.

Makinde noted that the vast forest, which stretches across about 2,500 square kilometres and cuts across several local government areas, has created major operational challenges for security personnel.

According to him, the difficult terrain requires careful planning, strategic coordination and patience to avoid putting the lives of the captives at further risk.

The governor also appealed to residents to remain alert and report suspicious movements to security authorities through the state’s toll-free emergency line, stressing that useful information from members of the public could assist ongoing operations.

Pantami continued: “Since leaving the hospital, I have been deeply worried because of the condition I saw him in. Even to a layman like me, his health condition was clearly critical. However, we always put our trust in Allah, the Almighty God. A few hours later, I received news of his passing at Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja, today, Friday.”

The ex-minister added:

“We have lost one of our own. However, passing away on a Friday carries its own spiritual blessing. The Prophet Muhammad said: “No believer passes away on Friday, or its night, but that Allah will protect him from the trial of the grave.” (Tirmidhi: 1074).

“May Allah admit him to Jannatul Firdaus along with our departed parents and loved ones, and grant his family and relatives the fortitude to bear this loss.” Pantami’s full statement can be read below, as shared in his post on X:

Inuwa, a founding member of the APC in Katsina, left the party after failing to secure its governorship ticket for the 2023 election. He later joined the PDP and served as campaign director for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in Katsina before moving to the ADC.

The report also stated that APC officials first sent Jabiru Tsauri, a former chief of staff to the governor, to meet Inuwa. Later, the deputy governor, Lawal Jobe, reportedly held another closed-door meeting with him, although details were not made public.

Meanwhile, the ADC continues to grapple with internal disagreements following its governorship primary, with rival groups challenging the emergence of Ahmed Kaita as the party’s candidate. Some aspirants alleged that the process lacked transparency and did not comply with electoral guidelines.

The crisis has created uncertainty within the party’s structure in the state.

On Tuesday, 34 House of Assembly aspirants from 18 local government areas officially joined the PDP. They said their decision was based on injustice, poor leadership and a lack of internal democracy within the ADC.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Ahmad Yusuf Jaguma said they had lost confidence in the party’s leadership.

“We thought deeply, and we found that PDP is the solution. We left a disorganised journey and returned to our original home,” he said.

He added that many of them had expected PDP leader Senator Yakubu Lado Danmarke to also join the ADC but changed their minds when that did not happen.

Welcoming the defectors, Katsina PDP chairperson Nuraddeen Kurfi said the party remained united and open to new members.

“You will have a full opportunity and justice in PDP. This party is home for everyone,” he said.

PDP governorship candidate Yakubu Danmarke also welcomed the new members and said more politicians were expected to join the party in the coming weeks.