Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has pledged to take every possible step, including putting his own life at risk if necessary, to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The governor made the declaration on Tuesday while addressing peaceful demonstrators led by social media personality Martins Vincent Otse at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan.
Makinde assured the protesters that security agencies were actively working on the rescue operation and expressed confidence in the measures already in place to ensure the victims are freed safely with minimal casualties.
While noting that details of the ongoing operation could not be disclosed for security reasons, the governor said intelligence available to the government indicated that no additional casualties had been recorded among the abductees since the reported killing of a Mathematics teacher.
“We will do everything humanly possible to bring our children back. And I am not somebody that leads from the back,” Makinde said.
He added that the government was exploring every available option to secure the release of the victims while seeking to prevent further loss of life.
“We have lost a teacher already. If we can avoid losing more, we will do that. But if we get to the point that certain people have to be sacrificed, including myself, we will do it,” the governor stated.
Makinde also expressed sympathy with the families of the victims and acknowledged public frustration over the prolonged captivity of the abducted pupils and teachers, which he said had lasted for more than a month.
The governor commended the protesters for conducting a peaceful solidarity march, describing civic engagement and public advocacy as important tools for promoting accountability and encouraging swift action from leaders and security agencies.
“If I were not in government, I would be protesting also. So, I do not have anything against what you are doing,” he said, adding that agitation and constructive pressure often contribute to positive outcomes in society.
Addressing concerns about security management, Makinde pointed out that state governors do not exercise direct control over federal security agencies such as the police and military.
According to him, operational decisions involving the police remain subject to directives from higher authorities, including the Inspector-General of Police, while military deployments are similarly controlled by federal command structures.
The governor, however, highlighted the establishment of the state-owned security outfit, Amotekun, as part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen local security since assuming office.
He noted that the corps still faces challenges, including inadequate armament.
“Security was one of the cardinal points of this administration and that’s why we set up Amotekun. Amotekun has not been armed adequately but that is our reality,” he said.
Earlier, Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, explained that the solidarity walk was organised to support ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted victims and reunite them with their families.
He also offered to join rescue efforts alongside other youths, saying citizens must contribute to the fight against kidnapping and banditry across the country.
The abduction incident has continued to generate public concern, with residents and advocacy groups urging authorities to intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of the victims.
