Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he is willing to risk his own life if it would guarantee the safe return of the Oyo kidnapped Children and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area, as public pressure mounts on authorities to secure their release.
Key Highlights
•Governor Seyi Makinde vows to sacrifice his life for the safe rescue of abducted pupils
•Statement made during meeting with protesters led by VeryDarkMan
•Protesters demand urgent action over kidnapped pupils and teachers
•Governor says security agencies are working with credible intelligence
•Makinde confirms no additional casualties among victims after initial attack
•Rescue efforts remain ongoing as public concern intensifies
The governor made the emotional declaration on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of protesters led by social commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, at his residence in Ibadan.
The protest was organised to draw attention to the plight of the Oyo kidnapped Children and their teachers, whose abduction has sparked widespread outrage and concern across the state and the country.
Addressing the demonstrators, Makinde assured residents that security agencies were actively pursuing intelligence-driven operations aimed at securing the victims’ safe return.
“I can sacrifice myself for the release of the abducted children; I am almost 60 years old,” the governor stated.
The governor stressed that authorities remain committed to bringing the victims home safely and are carefully implementing strategies designed to avoid further loss of life.
Makinde also disclosed that intelligence reports available to the government indicate there have been no additional casualties among the abductees following the reported killing of a Mathematics teacher during the attack.
While acknowledging public frustration over the prolonged captivity of the victims, the governor maintained that negotiating with kidnappers was not the preferred option.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies until the abducted pupils and teachers are reunited with their families.
According to Makinde, every available resource is being deployed to ensure the rescue mission succeeds without compromising the safety of the victims.
VeryDarkMan, who led the peaceful demonstration, said the protest was intended to amplify public concern and encourage stronger government action against insecurity.
He noted that many Nigerians are willing to support genuine efforts aimed at protecting citizens and addressing the growing threat of kidnappings across the country.
Read also:
- Atiku slams FG’s handling of kidnapping of Oyo schoolchildren, teachers
- Tinubu approves 1,000 forest guards, deploys specialized unit to rescue kidnapped Oyo school children
- Kidnapped Oyo school principal begs Tinubu, Makinde to negotiate with abductors
The governor’s comments have since generated intense reactions on social media, with many Nigerians urging authorities to prioritise the rescue of the Oyo kidnapped Children.
Several commentators stressed that the safe return of the victims should remain a national priority.
As security agencies intensify search-and-rescue operations, families of the abducted pupils and teachers continue to wait anxiously for positive news.
The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over school safety, rural insecurity, and the urgent need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities from criminal attacks.
For now, attention remains fixed on ongoing rescue efforts as residents, parents, and concerned Nigerians hope for the safe return of the victims.
