Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he is willing to make any sacrifice, including risking his own life, to secure the release of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Makinde made the remark on Tuesday while receiving a group of peaceful protesters led by activist and social commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan.
Addressing the protesters, the governor expressed confidence in the security measures already put in place, saying the ongoing operation is capable of bringing the victims home safely with minimal casualties.
He disclosed that intelligence reports available to the government show that no additional deaths have been recorded among the abductees after the earlier killing of a Mathematics teacher during the attack.
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Makinde, however, stated that if the situation drags on, he would personally be prepared to join the rescue mission despite the dangers involved.
The governor maintained that negotiating with kidnappers is not the ideal approach for government, stressing that every effort is being made to ensure the safe return of the victims.
He also praised the protesters for conducting a peaceful demonstration, noting that public engagement and civic action often help to encourage leaders and security agencies to intensify efforts toward achieving positive results.
Earlier, VeryDarkMan explained that the solidarity walk was organised to support the government’s efforts to rescue the abducted schoolchildren and teachers and reunite them with their families as quickly as possible.
The activist also pledged his readiness, along with other young Nigerians, to volunteer in the rescue efforts in Oriire Local Government Area as part of a broader commitment to confronting the rising cases of kidnapping and banditry across the country.
