‘I’m Ready to Risk My Life for Their Freedom’ – Makinde Vows to Secure Release of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared his readiness to make any sacrifice, including risking his own life, to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The governor made the emotional pledge on Tuesday while receiving a group of peaceful protesters led by social commentator and activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at his residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan.

Makinde assured residents that his administration was exhausting every available option to rescue the victims safely, stressing that security agencies were carefully coordinating ongoing operations to avoid further loss of life.

“We will do everything humanly possible to bring our children back. I am not someone who leads from the back,” the governor said.

Addressing concerns over the prolonged captivity of the abductees, Makinde revealed that intelligence reports available to the government indicated that no additional casualty had been recorded since the reported killing of a Mathematics teacher shortly after the abduction.

While declining to disclose operational details for security reasons, the governor emphasized that efforts to secure the victims’ freedom remained active and relentless.

“Because of the nature of the security situation, I cannot divulge much information. We are doing everything possible, including some of the suggestions you have made. We have already lost a teacher, and if we can avoid losing more people, we will do so.

“But if we get to a point where certain people have to be sacrificed, including myself, we will do it,” he said.

Makinde commended the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully, noting that constructive civic engagement can help draw attention to critical issues and accelerate government action.

The governor also used the opportunity to highlight some of the challenges state governments face in tackling insecurity, particularly the limited operational control governors have over federal security agencies such as the police and military.

According to him, although security remains one of the top priorities of his administration, the constitutional command structure of security agencies constrains the level of direct intervention available to state governments.

He, however, pointed to the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, as part of efforts by the Oyo State Government to strengthen grassroots security and complement conventional security agencies.

Makinde described the abduction as deeply troubling and said the welfare and safety of the victims remained a major concern for his administration.

Earlier, VeryDarkMan said the solidarity march was organized to draw attention to the plight of the abducted pupils and teachers and to demonstrate public support for efforts aimed at securing their release.

He pledged the readiness of concerned youths to support initiatives designed to combat kidnapping and insecurity while urging authorities to intensify rescue operations.

The meeting was attended by several government officials, including the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo; the Governor’s Executive Assistant on Security, retired Commissioner of Police Sunday Odukoya; and Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Prince Adebowale Falana.

The abduction has continued to generate public concern in Oyo State, with residents and stakeholders calling for urgent action to ensure the safe return of the victims and strengthen security across vulnerable communities.