Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to pray for former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, following comments and allegations recently made by the former governor.

Makinde's reaction was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade.

The commissioner described Fayose's remarks as false and said the governor was currently focused on efforts to secure the release of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

According to Oyelade, Makinde is more concerned with addressing the security situation in Oyo State than engaging in political exchanges.

He added that comments capable of distracting security agencies from ongoing rescue efforts were unhelpful at a critical time.

He also assured residents that the state government is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of those in captivity and urged the public to remain calm.

Fayose had, during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, criticised Makinde's response to the abduction and alleged, without providing evidence, that the incident may have been politically motivated to embarrass President Bola Tinubu.