Gov. Makinde assures rescue of abducted Oyo pupils

By Taiwo Scholarstica

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured residents that the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in the state will be rescued safely, stating that the government is making every effort to secure their release.

The Governor gave the assurance while addressing social media influencer VeryDarkMan and other protesters at the Oyo State Government House. A video of the meeting circulated on Tuesday.

Speaking on the incident, Makinde expressed deep concern over the plight of the victims, noting that the abducted nursery and primary school pupils, along with their teachers, had spent more than a month in captivity.

According to him, the situation has been painful and distressing, especially because the victims are young children who are unable to care for themselves.

“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,” the governor said.

Gov. Makinde explained that he could not reveal details of the ongoing security operations because of their sensitive nature. However, he stressed that security agencies and the government were working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the victims.

He described the abduction as an unusual and unprecedented case, noting that it was the first time nursery and primary school children had been kidnapped under such circumstances in Nigeria.

The Governor said the rescue effort required a special approach because of the age and vulnerability of the children involved. He added that the government was determined to avoid any loss of life during the operation.

“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 stated.

Gov. Makinde also disclosed that the state government was maintaining communication with the abductors as part of efforts to keep the victims safe and secure their freedom. He described the step as an exceptional measure taken because of the special nature of the case.

While acknowledging concerns about negotiating with criminal groups, the Governor said the priority remained the safety and survival of the children.

He further assured residents that once the victims were rescued, stronger measures would be introduced to prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future.

“Once the children are out, I give you the assurance that it will not occur again,” Gov. Makinde said.