Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he is prepared to give up his life if that would guarantee the safe return of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by gunmen in the state.
Makinde made the remark on Tuesday, June 16, while addressing protesters led by social media influencer and activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at the Government House in Ibadan.
The protesters had marched through parts of the Oyo State capital before converging on the governor’s office to demand urgent action over the victims, who have spent one month in captivity.
Responding to concerns raised by the demonstrators, Makinde said security agencies were working relentlessly to rescue the abductees but noted that the operation had already claimed the lives of some security personnel.
“Oyo state is not Chibok and it will not be Chibok. We have lost men, soldiers on this. I can confirm to you that a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army was killed a few days ago,” he said.
The governor said he would not hesitate to make the ultimate sacrifice if it became necessary to secure the victims’ freedom.
“If you ask me, can I sacrifice myself for those children to come out, I will do it. I have lived a good life. I am almost 60. It doesn’t matter. My own father died at 76,” he said.
“This is Oyo state. They know that this is not Chibok and our children will never be in the same situation as Chibok children.”
Makinde added that the government had explored different options but remained cautious to avoid further casualties.
READ ALSO: Abducted Oyo Students, Teachers Still Held Within Old Oyo National Park — Makinde
“We are doing everything possible, including what you suggested. But there is the potential for needless loss of lives. We have lost a teacher already,” he said.
“If we can avoid losing more, we will avoid losing more. But if we get to the point that certain people have to be sacrificed, including myself, we will do it.”
The governor also ruled out negotiating with the kidnappers, insisting that doing so would undermine the authority of the state and embolden criminal groups.
First Daily recalls that the victims were abducted on May 15 when armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso, taking away 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal.
The crisis deepened days later when the kidnappers reportedly killed one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun.
The incident sparked nationwide outrage and social media campaigns demanding the release of the victims.
Last week, Makinde disclosed that intelligence reports indicated the abductees were still being held within the old Oyo National Park.
According to him, the vast forest area covers about 2,500 square kilometres across 10 local government areas, creating significant challenges for security operatives involved in the rescue effort.
“The size and difficult terrain of the area pose significant operational challenges for security personnel, requiring patience, strategic coordination, and sustained efforts to ensure a successful rescue operation,” the governor had said.