Governor of Seyi Makinde has assured residents of Oyo State that efforts are underway to secure the safe release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, saying security agencies are carrying out a specialised rescue operation.
Makinde gave the assurance on Tuesday while addressing protesters led by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who marched to the Governor’s Office in Ibadan to demand urgent action over the kidnapping.
The governor said the ongoing operation was carefully designed to ensure that the victims are rescued without endangering their lives.
“The operation to rescue them is a special type of operation because we do not want to lose any of those children,” Makinde said.
“I give you the assurance that I, as the governor of Oyo State, by God’s grace, we will bring out those of our children.
“We are working tirelessly with all relevant security agencies, and we will not relent until they are safely reunited with their families.”
Earlier, VeryDarkMan, alongside members of the Ratel Movement and other residents, staged a peaceful procession through parts of Ibadan, carrying placards demanding stronger action against insecurity and the immediate rescue of the abducted victims.
Addressing the demonstrators, the activist said the protest was aimed at drawing national attention to the plight of the kidnapped pupils, teachers and their families.
“We cannot continue to remain silent while innocent children are taken away from their classrooms. The safety of our children must be a priority for every level of government,” he said.
He also urged both federal and state authorities to intensify efforts to combat insecurity, warning that attacks on schools threaten not only lives but also the future of education.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area. The incident has continued to generate concern across Oyo State, with parents, community leaders and civil society organisations calling for the immediate release of those held captive.
