Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said he is willing to give up his life if that would guarantee the safe return of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by armed men in the state.
Makinde made the emotional remark on Tuesday when he met protesters in Ibadan led by activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who had marched to the state Government House demanding urgent action to rescue the victims.
The protest, which drew hundreds of participants, saw demonstrators move through major streets of Ibadan before converging on the Government House. The abducted pupils and teachers have now spent about a month in captivity, heightening public frustration and fear.
Speaking directly to the crowd, Makinde insisted that security forces are actively working on the case but admitted the situation has already come at a painful cost.
“Oyo State is not Chibok and it will not be Chibok,” he said, referencing the 2014 schoolgirls’ abduction in Borno State.
He confirmed that security personnel involved in rescue efforts have been killed during operations, including a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army.
“If you ask me, can I sacrifice myself for those children to come out, I will do it. I have lived a good life,” Makinde said. “It doesn’t matter. My own father died at 76.”
The governor also pushed back strongly against negotiating with the abductors, arguing that it would amount to surrendering state authority to criminal groups. At the same time, he acknowledged the complexity of the rescue mission and the need to avoid further loss of life.
“We are doing everything possible, including what you suggested,” he said. “But there is the potential for needless loss of lives. We have lost a teacher already. If we can avoid losing more, we will avoid losing more.”
Makinde stressed that while all options are being considered, the priority remains bringing the victims home safely without triggering additional casualties.
The abduction happened on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area, reportedly taking 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal. One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed while in captivity.
The incident has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed debate over school security in Nigeria, with civil society groups and citizens calling for faster, more decisive action from authorities.
Makinde’s remarks underline the pressure on state governments as insecurity continues to test Nigeria’s education system and emergency response capacity.
