Oyo State Is Not, Will Never Be Chibok– Makinde

… Makinde reaffirms commitment to safe return of victims

…As protesters seeks updates on abducted pupils, teachers

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has assured residents that the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area will be rescued safely, declaring that Oyo State will never experience a situation similar to the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.

Governor Makinde gave the assurance while addressing protesters led by social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan.

The protest was organised to demand urgent action over the abduction of pupils and teachers as well as growing insecurity in parts of the state.

The governor said his administration remains committed to securing the release of the victims, noting that every available option is being explored to ensure their safe return.

Makinde described the rescue mission as delicate and unprecedented, explaining that the operation requires caution because the victims are young children.

He disclosed that there is no information indicating that any of the abducted pupils or teachers have died and assured residents that government is actively engaging all necessary stakeholders to secure their freedom.

The governor acknowledged public concerns over the prolonged captivity of the victims and expressed support for peaceful protests aimed at holding leaders accountable.

He, however, explained that state governments do not have direct control over federal security agencies, although his administration continues to collaborate closely with security operatives.

Governor Makinde also highlighted efforts by his government to strengthen security through the establishment of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps.

He further pledged that lessons from the incident would be used to strengthen security measures and prevent a recurrence.

Earlier, leader of the protest, Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, said the demonstration was intended to demand answers from the government and accelerate efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers.

He expressed concern over the lack of information regarding the victims’ condition and called on the government to provide updates on the rescue operation.

VeryDarkMan maintained that residents are eager to know the government’s strategy and timeline for securing the release of the abducted children and their teachers.