Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde said he was ready to put his own life on the line if it would help secure the freedom of students and teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The governor said this on Tuesday while addressing a peaceful group of protesters led by social commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, at his residence in Ibadan.
The protest was organized to draw attention to the plight of the kidnapped victims and to call on the authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
Protesters demand action
The protests come amid growing concern over the fate of abducted children and teachers, whose abduction has sparked widespread outrage. public hearings across Oyo State and beyond.
Responding to requests from some protesters who offered to join the rescue operations, Makinde said security agencies were already working with the intelligence available to them and remained focused on ensuring the safe return of the victims.
Speaking about the situation, the governor stated:
“I can sacrifice myself for the release of kidnapped children, I am almost 60 years old.”
He also expressed confidence that the current security strategy can lead to the rescue of victims without further loss of life.
Rescue efforts continue
Makinde said information available to the government indicated that there were no additional victims among the abductees since the previous killing of the mathematics professor during the incident.
The governor argued that negotiating with the kidnappers is not the best option and reiterated his administration’s commitment to support security agencies until the victims are reunited with their families.
VeryDarkMan also pledged his support to the ongoing efforts, saying he and other young people are willing to volunteer to fight kidnappings and insecurity.
The governor’s comment has since sparked reactions online, with many Nigerians debating his remarks and calling for the safe return of the abducted children and teachers.
