Makinde says rescue underway for 40 abducted Oyo children

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has assured the public that efforts are underway to rescue over 40 abducted schoolchildren and teachers, following a protest in Ibadan on Tuesday demanding government action. The governor addressed demonstrators led by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, at the state government house.

The victims, including nursery and primary school pupils and their teachers, were kidnapped in the Oriire Local Government Area approximately one month ago. Governor Makinde expressed personal distress over the incident, describing it as unprecedented. He stated that the abduction of such young children, who cannot run or help themselves, necessitates a special type of rescue operation.

While addressing the protesters, Makinde explained he could not divulge specific details of the ongoing security efforts due to their sensitive nature. He emphasized that every effort was being made to secure the victims' safe release and avoid casualties. The governor also acknowledged that the state was in communication with the abductors, calling it an exceptional measure taken for the sake of the children's safety.