Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared his willingness to make any sacrifice, including risking his own life, 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 a group of peaceful protesters led by Martins Vincent Otse at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan.
Responding to requests by the protesters to join the rescue operation, Makinde expressed confidence in the security measures already in place, saying the current security architecture is capable of ensuring the safe return of the victims with minimal casualties.
He disclosed that intelligence reports available to the government indicate that no additional casualties have been recorded among the abductees since the earlier killing of a Mathematics teacher.
The governor, however, maintained that he would not hesitate to personally participate in the rescue mission if circumstances demanded such a sacrifice.
“We will do everything humanly possible to bring our children back. I am not somebody that leads from the back,” Makinde said.
He explained that due to the sensitive nature of the operation, he could not disclose details of ongoing efforts to secure the release of the victims.
“We are doing everything possible, including what you have suggested. 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 commended the protesters for conducting a peaceful solidarity march, noting that public engagement and constructive agitation often encourage leaders and security agencies to act swiftly.
He added that while state governments face limitations in controlling federal security agencies, his administration has consistently prioritized security since assuming office.
According to him, although the state established the Amotekun Corps to strengthen local security, the outfit is yet to be adequately armed.
“I must say that I am distressed with what has happened to our children and it has been one month and one day now,” he said.
Earlier, VeryDarkMan said the solidarity walk was organised to support government efforts aimed at rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers and reuniting them with their families.
He also volunteered himself and other youths to participate in rescue operations in Oriire Local Government Area as part of efforts to combat kidnapping and banditry across the country.
Among government officials who received the protesters alongside the governor were the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Mr Williams Akin-Funmilayo; the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (retd); and the Chairman of the Oyo State Youth Agency and Development, Prince Adebowale Falana.
