By National News
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured residents that all abducted schoolchildren and teachers in the state will be rescued safely, stressing that the government is intensifying efforts to secure their release.
Makinde gave the assurance on Tuesday while addressing protesters led by social media influencer VeryDarkMan at the Oyo State Government House.
The governor expressed deep concern over the abduction, noting that the victims, including nursery and primary school pupils, had remained in captivity for more than a month.
“I am also distressed because I have children of my own. It has been one month and one day already,” he said.
Makinde explained that details of the rescue operation could not be disclosed because of the sensitive nature of the security efforts underway. He, however, assured residents that security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the victims’ freedom.
Describing the incident as unprecedented, the governor said the kidnapping of nursery and primary school pupils presented unique operational challenges.
“This is the first time anywhere in Nigeria that nursery and primary school children have been abducted. These are children who cannot even run or fend for themselves, so the rescue mission requires a special approach,” he stated.
The governor emphasized that the priority of the ongoing operation was to ensure the safe return of all the victims without loss of life.
“I do not want to lose any of those children. I give you my assurance that, by God’s grace, we will bring them out safely,” Makinde said.
He also acknowledged that the state government had established communication with the abductors, describing the move as an exceptional measure aimed at preserving the lives of the children.
According to him, while governments generally avoid negotiating with criminal groups, the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the abduction necessitated a pragmatic approach.
Makinde further pledged that measures would be introduced to prevent a recurrence once the victims are rescued.
“Once the children are out, I assure you that this will not happen again,” he said.
The governor’s remarks come amid growing public concern and calls for urgent action to secure the release of the abducted pupils and their teachers.
