Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde has assured residents that abducted pupils in Oriire LGA are alive and efforts are underway for their safe return, noting that the rescue operation requires extreme caution to avoid endangering the children.

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‎The governor gave the assurance while addressing peaceful protesters in Ibadan, including social activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, who joined demonstrations demanding urgent action over the children’s abduction.

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‎Governor Makinde described the incident as unprecedented in the state’s history, noting that it was the first time kidnappers had targeted nursery and primary school pupils.

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‎“This is the first time they have done it to nursery and primary school children—children who cannot run or do anything for themselves,” he said.

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‎The governor acknowledged the pain and anxiety being experienced by families of the victims and the entire state, stressing that he was personally distressed by the prolonged captivity of the children.

‎“I am also in distress. It is now a month and a day that these lives have remained in captivity,” he stated.

Makinde disclosed that communication channels with the abductors remain open and confirmed that the children are alive. However, he emphasized that the rescue effort requires extreme caution to avoid endangering the lives of the victims.

 

‎“They are talking with us, but if we want these children alive, we need to bend backwards. The operation to rescue these children is a special kind of operation if we do not want to lose them,” he said.

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‎While reiterating that government should not negotiate with criminals, the governor warned that doing so would amount to surrendering the authority of the state.

 

‎“If government starts negotiating with bandits, it means we are surrendering sovereignty to them,” he noted.

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‎Speaking further, Makinde assured residents that steps would be taken to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in Oyo State.

 

‎“We do not deserve this. In an atmosphere of insecurity, hardly can you do anything. Schools may have to shut down, farmers in affected communities are restricted from their farmlands, and food security is threatened,” he lamented.

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‎The governor also vowed that Oyo State would not experience a tragedy similar to the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.

 

‎“Oyo State is not Chibok and will not become Chibok. I am 60 years old, and I am willing to make sacrifices to ensure the safe release of these children,” he declared.

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‎Makinde commended the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the demonstrations.

 

‎“We have been monitoring the protest and have observed that you have conducted yourselves in a civilized manner without destroying public property. If I were not the Governor and not in government, I would probably be here protesting with you,” he said.

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‎He added that peaceful protests play an important role in building an inclusive society by encouraging citizens to demand accountability from leaders.

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‎The governor, however, pointed out the constitutional limitations of state governments in addressing certain security challenges, explaining that the Nigeria Police Force remains under federal control.

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“The state government is not directly in charge of the police. I cannot deploy the Commissioner of Police because such decisions require approval from the Inspector-General of Police,” he explained.

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‎Makinde reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Oyo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, as part of broader efforts to combat insecurity and safeguard residents across the state.

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