The governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has declared his willingness to sacrifice his life to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by gunmen in Ogbomoso. He made the statement on Tuesday while addressing a protest led by activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan. The protest, involving hundreds of demonstrators, marched through major roads in Ibadan before converging on the government house to demand the immediate rescue of the abductees, who marked one month in captivity on Monday. Makinde confirmed that security operatives involved in the rescue operation have suffered casualties, including the death of a Nigerian Army lieutenant a few days prior. "Oyo state is not Chibok and it will not be Chibok," Makinde stated. "We have lost men, soldiers on this." He emphasized that efforts to secure the victims' release were ongoing and acknowledged the suggestion of protesters, but warned of the risk of further loss of life. "We are doing everything possible, including what you suggested. But there is the potential for needless loss of lives. We have lost a teacher already," he said. The governor reiterated that the state government was committed to resolving the situation without escalating violence. Security agencies remain engaged in negotiations and operations to locate and free the captives.
The governor's declaration that he would sacrifice himself contrasts with his acknowledgment that a teacher has already died in captivity. While he insists Oyo will not become another Chibok, the abductees have now spent over a month in captivity under unclear conditions. His comparison to Chibok rings hollow as families await concrete action, not pledges. The presence of a dead teacher and a fallen army lieutenant suggests the state's response has already exacted a heavy price.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
