By: Sunday Ameh
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has declared his willingness to sacrifice his life if necessary to secure the release of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Makinde made the emotional declaration on Tuesday while addressing protesters led by social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), during the “Bring Back Our Children” demonstration in Ibadan.
The governor assured the protesters and concerned residents that the state government remains fully committed to rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers, stressing that every available resource is being deployed to secure their safe return.
According to Makinde, the pain being experienced by the families of the victims is deeply felt by his administration, adding that he is personally invested in ensuring the children regain their freedom.
“If you ask me to sacrifice my life for the rescue of those children, I will do it,” the governor declared.
Makinde noted that he is approaching the age of 60 and has lived a fulfilled life, recalling that his father died at the age of 76.
He emphasized that the safety and future of the abducted children remain a top priority for his administration.
The governor also dismissed fears that the victims could suffer the same fate as the Chibok schoolgirls abducted in 2014, assuring residents that Oyo State would not allow such a situation to occur.
“Oyo State is not Chibok, and our children will not be in the same situation as the Chibok girls,” he stated.
Makinde reiterated that security agencies, working in collaboration with the state government, are intensifying efforts to secure the release of the victims, while urging residents to remain calm and continue supporting ongoing rescue operations.
The protest, organised to draw attention to the plight of the abducted children and teachers, attracted concerned citizens who demanded urgent action from government and security authorities.
The governor assured the protesters that the government would not relent until all the abducted victims are safely reunited with their families.
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