Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reiterated his commitment to securing the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, saying every available option will be considered to ensure their safe return.
Makinde made the commitment on Tuesday while addressing protesters led by social media influencer and activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan.
The governor said the safe rescue of the victims remained his administration’s priority, adding that avoiding further loss of lives would guide decisions during the ongoing operation.
He, however, stressed that the government would not hesitate to take difficult steps if necessary.
“If you ask me, ‘Can I sacrifice myself for those children to come out?’ I will do it.
“We’re doing everything possible, including what VDM suggested. But if there’s potential for needless loss of lives and we can avoid losing more, we will.
“But if we get to the point that certain people have to be sacrificed, including myself, we will do it,” Makinde said.
The governor, who did not reveal details of the rescue operation due to security considerations, assured residents that the state’s security structure was capable of ensuring the safe return of the abducted children and teachers.
He also commended the protesters for their concerns and for maintaining a peaceful approach during the demonstration.
VDM, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, called on the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts toward rescuing the victims.
The activist said concerned Nigerians were ready to support security agencies in the rescue mission, urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent the incident from becoming another prolonged abduction crisis.