By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, says the rescue of the kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers in the state requires a special operation but assured that the government is doing everything possible to secure their release.
Makinde gave the assurance while addressing social media influencer, VeryDarkMan (VDM), and other protesters at the Oyo State Government House on Tuesday, June 16.
The governor said he was personally distressed by the abduction, noting that the victims, who include nursery and primary school pupils, had been in captivity for over a month.
“I am also distressed because I have children of my own. I’m also distressed with what has happened to our children. It has been one month, just one month and one day already,” Makinde said.
He explained that he could not disclose details of the ongoing security operation due to its sensitive nature but stressed that efforts were being made to ensure the safe return of the victims.
Makinde described the incident as unprecedented, saying it was the first time nursery and primary school children had been abducted in such circumstances.
He said, “Because of the nature of the security situation that is involved, I cannot divulge a lot of information.
“This is the first time anywhere in Nigeria that they have abducted nursery and primary school children. These are children that cannot even run or do anything for themselves. So, the operation to rescue them is a special type of operation.”
Makinde also assured residents that every effort was being made to avoid casualties during the mission to rescue the kidnapped schoolchildren and their teachers.
“I don’t want to lose any of those children. I give you the assurance that I, as the governor, by God’s grace, will bring out those children,” he added.
The governor further acknowledged that the state was in communication with the abductors, noting that the exceptional measure was necessitated by the circumstances.
“If governments are negotiating with bandits, it means portraying great sovereignty to the bandits. In this special situation, for those children alive, we have to bear the burden,” he said.
He expressed confidence that once the victims were rescued, measures would be put in place to prevent a recurrence.
“Once the children are out, I give you the assurance that it will not occur again,” Makinde stated.
Recall that armed men had invaded three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state on May 15 and kidnapped 39 students and seven teachers. The affected schools are Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A Primary School in Esin Ele.
