I’m Ready To Sacrifice Myself For Rescue Of Ogbomoso School Children – Makinde

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, says he is willing to sacrifice himself if that would secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by gunmen in the state.

Makinde spoke on Tuesday while addressing protesters led by Martins Otse, the activist and social media influencer popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at the Oyo state government house in Ibadan.

Hundreds of protesters marched through major roads in the Oyo capital before converging on the government house to demand the urgent rescue of the abductees, who clocked one month in captivity on Monday.

The governor said security agencies have continued efforts to secure the victims’ release, adding that personnel involved in the operation had suffered casualties.

“Oyo state is not Chibok and it will not be Chibok. We have lost men, soldiers on this. I can confirm to you that a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army was killed a few days ago,” he said.

“If you ask me, can I sacrifice myself for those children to come out, I will do it. I have lived a good life. I am almost 60. It doesn’t matter. My own father died at 76.

“This is Oyo state. They know that this is not Chibok and our children will never be in the same situation as Chibok children.

“We are doing everything possible, including what you suggested. 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. But if we get to the point that certain people have to be sacrificed, including myself, we will do it.”

Makinde said government will not negotiate with the abductors, warning that doing so would amount to surrendering the state’s authority to criminal groups.

BACKGROUND

On May 15, gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire LGA of Ogbomoso, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, including the principal of one of the affected schools.

Days later, the abductors killed Michael Oyedokun, one of the abducted teachers, while he was in captivity.

The abduction sparked outrage on social media and triggered protests across the country calling for the release of the victims.

Last Friday, Makinde said intelligence reports indicated that the abductees were still being held within the old Oyo National Park.

He said the area spans about 2,500 square kilometres across parts of 10 local government areas, making rescue operations difficult.

“The size and difficult terrain of the area pose significant operational challenges for security personnel, requiring patience, strategic coordination, and sustained efforts to ensure a successful rescue operation,” the governor had said.

Source: The Cable

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