Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he is willing to put his own life on the line if it would guarantee the safe return of the pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The governor made the emotional remark on Tuesday while addressing a peaceful group of protesters led by social media activist and 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 abducted victims and to demand intensified efforts from authorities to secure their release.
The kidnapping of the schoolchildren and teachers, which occurred during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, has sparked widespread concern and outrage across Oyo State and beyond.
Addressing the protesters, Makinde acknowledged the pain and anxiety being experienced by the families of the victims, stressing that the state government remained fully committed to bringing them home safely.
While responding to appeals from some protesters who volunteered to join the rescue operation, the governor explained that security agencies were already working with intelligence gathered from ongoing investigations and were carefully implementing strategies aimed at ensuring the victims’ safe return.
Speaking on the situation, Makinde said:
“I can sacrifice myself for the release of the abducted children; I am almost 60 years old.”
He also expressed optimism that the current security approach being adopted could lead to the successful rescue of the victims without recording additional casualties.
According to the governor, intelligence reports available to the government indicate that there have been no further deaths among the abductees since the earlier killing of a Mathematics teacher during the attack.
Makinde maintained that negotiating with kidnappers was not the preferred option, reiterating that his administration would continue supporting security agencies until all the victims were reunited with their families.
The governor’s comments came as VeryDarkMan pledged support for ongoing rescue efforts, saying he and other young Nigerians were prepared to volunteer in the fight against kidnapping and insecurity.
The activist urged authorities to intensify their efforts and ensure that the abducted children and teachers return home safely.
The governor’s remarks have since generated reactions online, with many Nigerians commending his empathy and renewed commitment to the rescue mission, while others called for urgent action to end the prolonged ordeal of the victims and their families.
The abduction, which has entered its fifth week, remains one of the most disturbing security incidents in the South-West this year, with families and residents continuing to hope for the safe return of their loved ones.
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