Pressure is mounting on authorities in Oyo State as popular social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), led a peaceful protest in Ibadan demanding the rescue of 39 abducted pupils and seven teachers taken from communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
The demonstration drew members of the Ratels Movement and concerned residents who marched through parts of the state capital, calling for urgent action to secure the release of the victims. The schoolchildren and teachers were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, an incident that has sparked outrage across the country.
Addressing protesters, VDM said the aim of the rally was to obtain clear answers from the state government on efforts being made to rescue the victims. He described the situation as heartbreaking, noting that the fate of the abducted children remains uncertain.
“We are here for one reason. We are here to find out from the Governor when the children are coming back, and what he is doing to bring them back,” he said.
The activist also expressed concern over reports that one of the abducted teachers had been killed, stressing that the attack had deeply affected Nigerians because innocent schoolchildren were involved. He added that members of his movement were willing to support security agencies in lawful rescue operations if necessary.
The protest later culminated in a meeting with Governor Seyi Makinde, who assured demonstrators that the state government was fully committed to bringing the victims home safely. He explained that rescue missions involving children require careful planning to avoid putting lives at greater risk.
“These children cannot defend themselves or do anything for themselves. The operation to rescue them is a special type of operation if we do not want to lose any of those children,” the governor said.
Makinde further gave a personal assurance that every effort was being made alongside security agencies to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers. “I, as the Governor of Oyo State, by the grace of God, will bring out those children,” he declared.
The governor noted that his administration has continued to prioritise security since taking office, highlighting the establishment of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture. He added that discussions and strategic engagements were already ongoing to facilitate the safe return of the victims.
The protest ended peacefully after the meeting, but campaigners insisted they would continue demanding action until all the abducted pupils and teachers are safely reunited with their families.
