Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has told citizens that the state’s abducted pupils and teachers will be freed, adding that the administration is doing all necessary to obtain their release.
In a video that circulated on Tuesday, Makinde provided the assurance while speaking with social media personality VeryDarkMan and other demonstrators inside the Oyo State Government House.
Speaking about the event, the governor expressed his personal distress over the kidnapping, stressing that the victims, who included nursery and primary school students, had been held captive for more than a month.
“I am also distressed because I have children of my own. I’m also distressed with what has happened to our children. It has been one month, just one month and one day already,” Makinde said.
He stated that he was unable to discuss details of the ongoing security operation owing to their sensitive nature but that measures were being taken to ensure the victims’ safe return.
“Because of the nature of the security situation that is involved, I cannot divulge a lot of information,” he said.
The governor described the occurrence as unique, noting that it was the first time nursery and primary school students had been kidnapped in such circumstances.
“This is the first time in Nigeria that nursery and primary school students have been taken. These are children that are incapable of running or doing anything on their own. So the operation to rescue them is unique,” he explained.
Makinde also informed people that every precaution was being taken to prevent casualties during the rescue mission.
“I do not want to lose any of those children. I assure you that as governor, by God’s grace, I will bring those children out,” he added.
The governor also admitted that the state was in communication with the abductors, describing it as an extraordinary action required given the circumstances.
“If governments are negotiating with bandits, it means portraying great sovereignty to the bandits. In this special situation, for those children alive, we have to bear the burden,” he said.
He expressed confidence that once the victims were saved, measures would be implemented to prevent a repeat.
“Once the children are out, I give you the assurance that it will not occur again,” Makinde stated.
