Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde says he is ready to sacrifice himself if it would help secure the release of the 46 pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
He also insisted that Oyo would never face a tragedy like the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.
Makinde spoke on Tuesday while addressing protesters led by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan.
The protest followed growing concerns over insecurity and recent kidnappings in the state, especially the abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers.
“Let me make it very, very clear, Oyo State is not Chibok and we will not be Chibok,” Makinde said.
He revealed that security operatives had made sacrifices during rescue efforts, including the death of a Nigerian Army lieutenant.
“We have lost men, even soldiers and officers, and I can confirm to you that a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army was killed a few days ago,” he said.
Makinde said he was willing to pay the ultimate price for the children’s safe return.
“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’m almost 60 and it doesn’t matter. Our children will never be in the same situation as Chibok children,” he said.
He noted that authorities were acting carefully to avoid more deaths.
“We’ve 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,” he added.
VeryDarkMan said protesters wanted faster action and clear updates on the victims.
“As of now, we do not even know the condition of the children. We do not know if the children are still alive. Over 45 of them were taken into the bush with their teachers, and one of the teachers has been beheaded. It is quite unfortunate,” he said.
