An emotional declaration by Oyo StateGovernor Seyi Makinde has drawn widespread attention as efforts continue to secure the release of dozens of abducted pupils and teachers.
Speaking during a protest led by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), the governor said he was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice if it would guarantee the safe return of the victims.
The statement came amid growing public concern over the fate of 46 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. Moreover, the governor firmly rejected comparisons between the incident and the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.
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The rescue efforts became the focus of discussion as protesters gathered at Makinde’s private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan. Furthermore, demonstrators demanded stronger action and greater transparency regarding the ongoing rescue mission.
Addressing the crowd, the governor assured residents that his administration remains fully committed to bringing the victims home safely. He stressed that every available resource is being deployed toward achieving that goal.
“Let me make it very, very clear, Oyo State is not Chibok and we will not be Chibok,” Makinde declared.
The governor disclosed that rescue operations have come at a heavy cost. According to him, security personnel have made significant sacrifices while trying to locate and recover the abducted children and their teachers.
“We have lost men, even soldiers and officers, and I can confirm to you that a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army was killed a few days ago,” he said.
Meanwhile, the governor’s most emotional remarks came when he spoke about the value of the children’s lives.
“If you ask me, can I sacrifice myself for those children to come out? I will do it. I have lived a good life, I’m almost 60 and it doesn’t matter. Our children will never be in the same situation as Chibok children,” he said.
Makinde also acknowledged the delicate nature of the operation. He explained that authorities are proceeding carefully to avoid further loss of life. In addition, he confirmed that one teacher had already lost his life during the crisis.
“We’ve lost a teacher already. If we can avoid losing more, we will avoid losing more, but if we get to the point that certain people have to be sacrificed, including myself, we will do it,” he added.
Makinde expressed support for the protesters, noting that citizens have every right to demand accountability from elected leaders.
“If I am not in government, I will be you; I’ll be protesting with you. I do not have anything against what you are doing,” he said.
However, the governor pointed out that state governments do not have direct control over all security agencies. While governors can coordinate with security leaders, federal security forces remain under national command.
He nevertheless emphasized that security has remained a key priority since he assumed office in 2019. Furthermore, he referenced the creation of the Amotekun Corps as part of efforts to strengthen local security structures.
Earlier, VeryDarkMan explained that the protest was organized to push authorities into intensifying rescue efforts. He said many families remain worried because little information has been released about the victims’ condition.
Governor Seyi Makinde
“We are here to also commit ourselves. If the governor does not amend, we are ready to volunteer ourselves to go into the bushes with the police, army, air force and any security operatives that are ready,” he said.
The activist also voiced concern over uncertainty surrounding the welfare of the abducted children.
“As of now, we do not even know the condition of the children. We do not know if the children are still alive. Over 45 of them were taken into the bush with their teachers, and one of the teachers has been beheaded. It is quite unfortunate,” he said.
The pressure continues to mount on authorities, while families continue to hope for positive news.
