Makinde Vows Safe Rescue of Oyo Pupils, Teachers

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reassured residents that efforts are fully underway to free the kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers in the state, pledging that his administration is leaving no stone unturned in securing their safe return.

Makinde gave the assurance while addressing social media influencer, VeryDarkMan, and other protesters at the Oyo State Government House in a video circulating on Tuesday.

The governor said he was personally distressed by the abduction, noting that the victims, including nursery and primary school pupils, had been in captivity for over a month.

Makinde said he understood the pain of the affected families because he also had children.

“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, however, said he could not disclose details of the ongoing security operation because of its sensitive nature.

“Because of the nature of the security situation that is involved, I cannot divulge a lot of information,” he stated.

The governor described the incident as unprecedented, saying it was the first time nursery and primary school pupils had been abducted in such circumstances.

“This is the first time anywhere in Nigeria that they have abducted nursery and primary school children. These are children who cannot even run or do anything for themselves. So, the operation to rescue them is a special type of operation,” he said.

Makinde assured residents that efforts were being made to avoid casualties during the rescue mission.

“I don’t want to lose any of those children. I give you the assurance that I, as the governor, by God’s grace, will bring out those children,” he added.

The governor also confirmed that the state was in communication with the abductors, describing the move as an exceptional measure required by the situation.

“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.

Makinde expressed confidence that after the victims regain freedom, measures would be taken to prevent a recurrence.

“Once the children are out, I give you the assurance that it will not occur again,” he stated.