Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that he is prepared to make any sacrifice, including risking his own life, to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Council in Oyo State.
Speaking at his Ikolaba residence in Ibadan during a peaceful protest led by activist Martins Otse, Makinde reassured residents that his administration was deploying all available resources to bring the victims home safely.
The governor said ongoing rescue operations were being carefully coordinated to avoid further loss of life. According to him, intelligence reports indicate that no additional casualties have been recorded among the abductees since the reported killing of a Mathematics teacher while in captivity.
“We will do everything humanly possible to bring our children back. I am not someone who leads from the back,” Makinde said.
Although he declined to reveal details of the rescue mission for security reasons, the governor stressed that every lawful option was being explored.
“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 added.
Makinde also praised the protesters for their peaceful conduct, noting that public advocacy often helps draw attention to urgent issues and encourages faster government action. He highlighted the role of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, in strengthening regional security efforts.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government has inaugurated a 17-member steering committee for the Safe Schools Programme, a federal initiative aimed at protecting students, teachers and educational institutions from attacks, kidnappings and other security threats.
The committee includes representatives from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun, traditional rulers, religious leaders and Parent-Teacher Associations.
Speaking during the inauguration, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the committee would improve coordination among stakeholders and strengthen measures to prevent security threats in schools.
Separately, the Oodua People’s Congress has denied any connection to suspects arrested over the kidnapping of relatives of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu.
In a statement, OPC President Wasiu Afolabi commended police for the swift rescue of Adelabu’s relatives but urged security agencies to demonstrate the same urgency in securing the release of the Oriire pupils and teachers.
“The speed with which the Adelabu family case was resolved shows that there is no hiding place for criminals. We urge security agencies to demonstrate similar commitment towards securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers in Ogbomoso,” Afolabi said.
Also reacting, Egbe Omo Yoruba North America President Ayodeji Famuyide described the prolonged captivity of the children as distressing and unacceptable, while the Centre for Social Justice and Public Protection called the situation a national tragedy and a reflection of weaknesses in Nigeria’s security system.
The schoolchildren and teachers have remained in captivity for nearly a month, fuelling growing concern among residents and advocacy groups across the South-West.
